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CELEBRATING 15 YEARS - HERE’S TO YOU t indeed is a proud moment for us as we complete 15 years of continuously publishing Golfplus Monthly without missing a single issue. We were around even during the Pandemic! While the going has been tough we have thoroughly enjoyed serving our readers and the greatest game ever. We are proud to be of an Indian pedigree, proud to stay in the reckoning the longest. We thank our readers and our advertisers and all those associated with the magazine. Let us raise a toast to your good health, happiness and good fortune. Cheers & Happy Golfing!

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Editor-in-Chief: Deputy Editor: News Desk: Anil Dev Charu Dewan [email protected] Ferry Monné Editorial Board: Subscription: Amit Luthra [email protected] Col. R. Dewan (Retd.) Creative & Newsdesk Team: ©2010 GolfPlus Article and features, including Deepak, Pushpendra & Akansha illustrations can only be reproduced with the Contributing Editors: permission of the Editor. We regret we cannot be Printed at: Brandon de Souza liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited Place of Publication: HT Media Limited Digraj Singh or unsolicited material, whether typescripts, Plus: 436, Sector-37, Plot No. 8, Udhyog Vihar, Farzan Heerjee photographs, transparencies, artwork or computer Greater Noida - 201306, U.P. Gaurav Bajaj Noida 201301 (U.P.), discs. Contributors are advised to keep copies of on 1st September, 2020 Maj. D.N. Dass Tel.: +91-120-4570554 all material submitted. Page Nos. 25-32 printed Michael Wilson under license from Bauer Consumer Media Raja Danish Aman Marketing Department Owner, Printer & Publisher: Limited (Todays Golfer/) Rahul Sood Shalini Tomar: +91-98114 57878 Anil Dev Send address changes to: 436/37 Noida 201301, Randy Williams [email protected] Uttar Pradesh, India September 2020, Vol.-XIII, Issue - 9 - Issue Vol.-XIII, 2020, September

6 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 This Month

Shailendra Kumar Altaf Naik Royal Springs Royal Springs Golf Course Kashmir Kashmir

with his fourball Altaf Naik with his fourball Shailendra Kumar Irfan Narwaroo, Hilal Din, Javaid Kawoosa Rajash Kumar, A.G. Mir, Javaid Gillani

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Feature THE SWADHISHTHANA CHAKRA THE ABODE OF THE SELF RANKED AMONGST THE FIFTY MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN INDIA, SADHGURU IS A YOGI, MYSTIC, VISIONARY AND A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SADHGURU HAS BEEN CONFERRED THE PADMA VIBHUSHAN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA IN 2017, THE HIGHEST ANNUAL CIVILIAN AWARD, ACCORDED FOR EXCEPTIONAL AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE - SADHGURU ISHA FOUNDATION

Sadhguru: Swadhishthana means “abode of the If one has used the Muladhara or the amrita to to activate your Muladhara and Swadhishthana by self.” When one masters the Muladhara, it can either heighten one’s perception, then the Swadhishthana yourself, so that the body ¿ xes itself. If Muladhara lead to a very stable body, or to a certain drunkenness also functions in this way and further enhances that and Swadhishthana are stabilized, health will happen of experience, or to heightened levels of perception. possibility. by itself, from within, because they are at the very If one has used the mastery over the Muladhara for Swadhishthana & Systems of Health basis of the body. stability alone, then the Swadhishthana becomes a The schools of Muladhara and Swadhishthana Of all the things that we can do in the yogic system, strong abode of regeneration and pleasure. created elaborate systems of medicine and ways of working with the Swadhishthana is among the most becoming healthy. This happened because of the If one has used Muladhara for drunkenness, then complex and beautiful. There have been many demands of the marketplace. When they met a yogi, the Swadhishthana becomes an abode of a sense of cases where a combination of Swadhishthana and people only asked things like, “Can you cure my bodilessness – not in terms of becoming like thin air, Muladhara has produced beautiful results for people. disease? Can you make me young again? Can you but as an experience of a little distance from the body. Many have been rejuvenated from almost deathlike bring my grandmother back to life?” Very few people If you take an orange, there is sweetness in the fruit situations and become vibrantly alive. that is not there in the peel; they are one inside the asked, “Can you take me beyond my limitations?” Our Rejuvenation Center is doing this to some other, but there is a little distance. Likewise, when Yoga got crafted as per people’s demands. Of extent. This can be done through various types there is sweetness of the self, the body will sit a little course, in today’s world, people feel this is perfectly of therapies, using Siddha and Ayurveda oils and loosely on it. This will give some freedom from legitimate and the best thing about yoga. But using medicines, herbs, substances, and metals. It is a physical drives that human beings tend to have. the yogic system only to attend to one’s health is the complex process. But a better way to do it would be lowest way of using it. But that is considered the 10 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature highest today. Only if there are health bene¿ ts, they ever they say, it doesn’t seem to be enough now. baby. But only if all the other six dimensions in your think it’s for real. There is nothing wrong in using technology for our system are on, can you deliver a god. And only if all For the Muladhara, you can use earth and herbs, wellbeing. The problem arises when, empowered by the other six are equally active can you live on and because herbs are an outcome of the earth. For the technology, we believe we have become superhuman. maintain potency after delivering a god. Swadhishthana, mostly ¿ re and akash are used. By If you think you are big because of a gadget, when Consecrating Human Beings using these elements and substances, one can acquire the battery drains and there’s no place to recharge, Delivering a divine entity, or in other words a certain capability so that things from outside do not suddenly, without your smartphone, you will look consecration, can happen in many ways. Of all the touch you. There have been fantastic stories in this dumb. material in the world, the easiest to consecrate is the context. Swadhishthana Sadhana Brings Freedom human body. Unfortunately, the human mind is also Neem Karoli Baba & Ram Dass When energies are dominant in the Swadhishthana, what turns around tomorrow morning most easily When the young American man who is today one becomes far more alert to life around. and does something else. referred to as Ram Dass came to Neem Karoli Baba Swadhishthana sadhana gives you a certain freedom. If someone has brought their mind to a state of in the sixties, the American youth believed LSD was The freedom movement in this country was referred unquestioned focus towards something, then the ultimate solution in life. Ram Dass came to Neem to as Swatantra. Swa-tantra means “technology of the consecrating that body to function like a divine Karoli Baba with a supply of LSD. self” – a way to become free. The biggest bondage entity becomes a possibility. But most people in Neem Karoli Baba was sitting there, blissed out by is in the way we are reproduced, and the biggest today’s world are not able to maintain that kind of himself. Ram Dass said that he had something else. urge is that of reproduction. It binds people in body, focus. Every other day, they start questioning if they Neem Karoli Baba asked what it is. Ram Dass gave mind, and emotion. Swadhishthana and swatantra are are doing the right thing in life – whether it is their him a handful of LSD pills. Neem Karoli Baba put connected. Swatantra is a way to release the self from marriage, brahmacharya, or spirituality in general. them all in his mouth. This dosage could have killed these kinds of troubles and compulsions. The worst calamity that has happened to modern a man, but he went about his activity as usual, and Procreation or Creation of Gods? society is that they cannot stay focused on anything. nothing happened to him. The entire culture has become about “What will I There have been many beings who have used get?” Once “What will I get?” is the main criteria, Ram Dass was impressed, and either out of his the Swadhishthana for speci¿ c goals. If your the scavenging mind will keep on moving from one own receptivity, or because of the drug, or because Swadhishthana is established at the lowest level, it thing to the other. of Neem Karoli Baba’s compassion, certain things is purely reproductive. At the highest level, you can happened to him. Later on, he went back to the United create a god if you wish. The technology of god- Another dimension of the Swadhishthana is that you States and dedicated his life to somehow bring this making is based on having absolute control over the can take it above its natural compulsions. Whatever is into people’s lives, or at least to open up the Western Swadhishthana. referred to as sexuality is essentially nature instigating mind to the possibility that there is something beyond you to reproduce. In modern societies, people treat it The tantra of making the self free is about creating what they had imagined. as if it was a purpose by itself. People are using it to a certain À exibility of your life energies, in such Plant Life & Mastery of Swadhishthana bind themselves to each other. But fundamentally, the longing in the body is to reproduce. If this was not If you have suf cient mastery over both ¿ there, we wouldn’t be here today. But if you want to Swadhishthana and Muladhara, then the plants will go beyond the cycle of life, then transcending these speak to you. The elaborate system of Ayurveda has dimensions becomes important. over one hundred thousand formulations – more than the modern pharmacopeia. This did not come from The Three Fundamentals in Tantra someone who was sitting and experimenting in a The use of the Swadhishthana is a very complex and laboratory. They just walked in the forest, and the fantastic process. There are three different ways of plants spoke to them. When the sweetness of the self doing it: It can be done with rituals, or by using the releases you from the compulsions of the body, the body, or by using pure energy. Generally in tantra, language of everything around you becomes yours. there are three fundamentals, which are called kaula, This does not mean the plants spoke to them and mishra, and samaya – the lower, the middle, and the said, “I will cure your diabetes,” but the quality of higher system. One uses external substances. If you each plant became apparent. Every plant, every life, have no control over your own system, you use other and the earth have their own reverberation. To be substances to generate an energy that functions at a able to receive that, you must be in a certain level of higher level than you, which could be referred to as pleasantness and joy within yourself. Then the plants a divine entity. will speak to you. This is how the sages of the past way that they are not bound by the compulsions of Through ritualistic processes, tantrics have created discovered what thousands of herbs and roots can the body anymore. To keep this body alive, healthy, various deities that stand up and walk in their own do to us. No one sat with a microscope and analyzed and capable, you have to invest a certain amount ways. The tantric himself may not be evolved in any their structure and impact on our DNA or whatever. of energy. Without that, it will lose its capabilities; way, but he understands the ritual and sticks to it. It is just that plants will speak to you when you shut it will lose its capacity to do things. If you want to Because he sticks to the ritual the way it should be, a up completely. deliver a god, you have to invest all you have into it. certain energy is created. Otherwise, a divine entity will not be a possibility. When you realize the limitations of your existence, You can see this happening in certain temples in Somebody delivered us – that is also important; that you will have nothing to say. If you think you are big, India. The priests may not be evolved beings – is why we are sitting here. But the most signi¿ cant you always have something to say. Just twenty-¿ ve they just stick to the ritual. They have been taught thing you can do with your Swadhishthana is to years ago, most people in India would make a phone to never alter the process. And suddenly, a burst of deliver a divine entity. call maybe once a year. One day, they would go to the energy happens there. But if it is done in this way, post of¿ ce where this black monster was sitting. This Creating that which you consider the Divine must be it cannot be consolidated and made to stay alive for was a big occasion. Some major event would have approached carefully. Many yogis who created divine generations. If you want to create an energy form that happened in their lives for them to use the phone. entities felt that creating just one was good enough. lives for a longer period of time, one way of doing it Today, suddenly everyone has so much to say, not They gave it their all and left with its completion. is through your body. But if you want it to last for a because they all got enlightened and have a lot to Or they gave it their all and became dissipated in the very long time, you need to use pure energy. If you share – they simply have a lot to say. And how much process. Some retained the possibility of doing more. invest a certain amount of energy, it can live for a few If just your Swadhishthana is on, you may deliver a thousand years. GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 11 opportunities, with exemptions into the AIG Women’s Open and, traditionally, the US Women’s ALINE KRAUTER WINS THE WOMEN’S Open, and Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP She joins a roll of honour that includes former Women’s Amateur victors like (2008), (2013), Céline Boutier (2015), (2017) and her German countrywoman, Leonie Harm (2018). Krauter said, “It’s my biggest win, 100 per cent. I won the German Girls in 2016 and then I’ve played decently in some college tournaments in the US but not been close in one.I felt under control out there. I’m not sure what did the trick, but I was quite unphased on the course which I think helped me in the wind and the conditions. It was so fun to play in the ¿ nal.I’m now so excited to play in the AIG Women’s Open, I’m honoured. I watched Sophia (Popov) win last week, it was amazing. I had a club ¿ tting with her in February before COVID-19 when everything was ¿ ne. To play in the event next year at Carnoustie will be amazing.” Krauter added, “I was three down early, but I Germany’s Aline Krauter held her never to claim the biggest title of her career didn’t panic. It was a rough start but I knew that I had my game and I had played well all week. I after winning The 117th Women’s Amateur Championship at West Lancashire. wasn’t really worried at that time. I made a great putt from off the green on the 9th which was good. he 20-year-old fought back from three feelgood success for German golf after Sophia “I hit a bad shot on the 16th and the 17th wasn’t Tdown after the opening four holes to defeat Popov’s AIG Women’s Open triumph last great as I had a bad lie in the bunker, but on the Englishwoman Annabell Fuller, 18, by one- weekend. 18th I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared for a hole in a dramatic 18-hole ¿ nal. It continued Krauter can now look forward to exciting two-putt. It ended up working out.” JOE LONG WINS THE 125TH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROYAL BIRKDALE

oe Long savoured success at Royal Birkdale break. Jto win The 125th Amateur Championship. Played in glorious weather, a far cry from The Englishman showed composure over Tuesday’s stormy conditions which saw the ¿ rst the renowned in Southport to defeat fellow round of qualifying abandoned, Long Englishman and good friend Joe Harvey, 23, in an opened with a bogey ¿ ve as the match resumed. exciting 36-hole ¿ nal. While Harvey recorded wins at the 19th, 23rd and Lansdown member Long was the ¿ rst to make a 27th holes, he was unable to peg back his friend’s move in the tie, making a birdie three at the 5th lead. hole to take the early advantage before quickly By virtue of his triumph, the 23-year-old gained giving it up with a bogey four at the 7th. A exemptions into The 149th Open at Royal St conceded hole at the 8th saw Long regain the lead George’s next year, and by tradition, an invitation which he extended to three up by the 11th hole. to play in the and an Losing his shot at the -5 15th, Long exemption into the US Open. conceded to his opponent with Harvey also Long is the 51st English winner of The Amateur winning the 16th to close the lead to just one and joins a list of past champions that include hole. However, Long was quick to reaf¿ rm his Major winners José MaríaOlazábal, Sergio presence in the tie with a birdie at the 17th to go Garcia and, more recently, Matteo Manassero and two-up and head into the clubhouse for the lunch Romain Langasque.

12 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 13 WORLD SYSTEM

Dear Golfer, Eff ective 1st January 2020, the world of Golf will embrace the all new World Handicap System®. From 7 diff erent handicap systems, the world will now have one, unifi ed system. The Rule of the Fundamentals of Handicapping says “Its purpose is to give as many golfers as possible the opportunity to compete or play a casual round with anyone else on a fair and equal basis. As the Authorised Association in India, the IGU’s role is to implement and administer the Rules of Handicapping within our territory and carry out all responsibilities that have been delegated to the IGU. In order to be able to port your Handicap Index, across golf courses, globally and in India (including in another course in your hometown), you will be required to obtain a WHS, handicap index. SO, JOIN UP, IT’S EASY:

1. For existing GHIN, IGU affi liated Club members, your data has been transported to the system. You will receive an URL by e mail, which please access and make your payment of INR 1000 + GST, as annual (Jan-Dec) fee, through the payment gateway made available (small charge applies) 2. For all other IGU affi liated Club Members, please log into our website www.indiangolfunion.org , click on the WHS ® link and register yourself by making an annual (Jan-Dec) payment of INR 1000 + GST. Once registered, you will receive a WHS number, access the WHS portal (or APP), enter your last 20 scores and you will receive your handicap index. 3. For existing GHIN, non IGU Club members and new sign ups, please follow step 2 above and pay INR 2500 + GST, as annual (Jan-Dec) fee. FOR ABOVE CATEGORIES, A 3 YEAR PAYMENT OPTION IS ALSO AVAILABLE 4. For Juniors (below the age of 18, on the date of registration to WHS), please follow step 2 above BUT pay only INR 500 + GST, as annual (Jan-Dec) fee. Please be sure to e mail your birth certifi cate to us at [email protected], failing which your registration will lapse in 24 hours.

You will receive an IGU-WHS card, which will identify you as an IGU WHS Member, with your home Club (if you have one) and your unique WHS number. As this system will provide a daily handicap index, no HI will be mentioned on the card.

Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact any of the undernoted key resources at the IGU for any assistance. Ishwar Achanta Chairman-Technical Committee +91 98410 20626 Tusshar Malhotra GM -Golf Ops +91 98189 93825 Manu Shukla Tech Support +91 96348 20524

Happy Golfi ng,

Issued by: The , New , INDIA Date: 24th December, 2019

14 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM

DO Submit your card when the round is played: • In an authorised format of play; • Over a minimum of 13 holes OR 2 – 9 Hole rounds; • By the ; • With at least one other person; • On a course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating; • During an active ; • Certifi ed in accordance with Rules of Handicapping; • Submit your score as soon as possible on the day of play, after completion of your round and before midnight (local time); • If you already have a HI, record a net double bogey as the maximum score if you start, but not complete a hole. • If you don’t have a HI, record a score of par + 5 strokes if you start, but not complete a hole.

DON’T Submit your card if youou play: • (also knownown as Alternate Shot); • Scrambles; • When practicing or being coached; • When the score cannot be verifi ed by another player; • When using non-conforming equipment; • When the minimum number of holes (13) have not been played; • If you don’t play by the Rules of Golf.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 15 ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR

MARTIN GILBERT APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF SULLY LANDS THE EUROPEAN TOUR FOURTH TITLE AT became title sponsor of the Scottish Open in 2012. HANBURY MANOR Martin Gilbert said: “I am very much looking forward to this new chapter in my career. Business and golf have been two of the main passions in my life and so to be able to combine them in this position is very appealing. “Under the leadership of David Williams and Keith Pelley, the European Tour has made great strides in many areas in recent years he European Tour is delighted to and I look forward to doing everything I can con¿ rm that Martin Gilbert, one of to assist them and the Tour in that forward the UK’s foremost business ¿ gures, is momentum.”

T Image Courtesy : GettyImages to be appointed to the Board of the Tour as a David Williams, Chairman of the European Non-Executive Director. Tour, said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin ndy Sullivan cruised to a commanding The 65-year-old Scot, who will retire as to the Board of the European Tour. His support home victory at the English Chairman of Aberdeen Standard Investments for the European Tour and the Ladies European Championship, the former at the end of next month, will bring a wealth Tour over the years is appreciated and his career A player claiming his fourth European Tour title of experience and business acumen in addition in international business and ¿ nance, combined and his ¿ rst in ¿ ve years in the process. to continuing his personal relationship with with his wide ranging Board experience, will The Englishman held the lead in the UK Swing’s golf and speci¿ cally the European Tour which be of immense value as we chart the European third event since day two, when he carded a began when Aberdeen Asset Management Tour’s future direction.” course-record 62, and he never relinquished his place at the summit. A third round 64 handed the 34-year-old a ¿ ve-stroke advantage heading HORSFIELD MAKES HISTORY AT CELTIC into the ¿ nal day at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club, and he never let up on CLASSIC the ¿ nal day. An eagle three at the par ¿ ve second hole am Hors¿ eld made European Tour quashed the early hopes of a determined chasing history as he won his second title at the pack which included two-time European Tour SCeltic Classic, becoming the ¿ rst golfer winner Adrian Otaegui of Spain, whose ¿ ve on Tour to win an event, which he achieved at under front nine made him a leading contender the Hero Open a fortnight ago, miss a cut, and for an upset. then win again in the space of three weeks. The 23-year-old started the day one stroke I’m proud of myself. I wasn’t quite stuck in behind Connor Syme, but shared the lead after the doldrums but it just hasn’t quite happened the ¿ rst hole as the young Scotsman dropped a for me since those three wins 2015 and it feels like shot. The Englishman made consecutive birdies a weight off my shoulders now, and I think it told on the third and fourth holes and then birdied out there today. the seventh before a two-hour delay caused by “I never really felt comfortable out on the golf the threat of lightning at Celtic Manor Resort. Image Courtesy : GettyImages course all day, I found it quite a battle the whole After the restart he parred the next six holes Hors¿ eld moves to the top of the UK Swing way around until I started dropping a couple before his fourth birdie of the day on 14th, and Order of Merit and has secured a place at the of putts on the back nine and my lead started he parred his way home to sign for a bogey-free U.S. Open. He will be joined by the other increasing. I was always on guard today, I knew 67 and an 18 under par total. top ten players on the UK Swing Rankings at Adrian was there breathing down my neck. Similarly to the Hero Open at Forest of Arden, Winged Foot at the conclusion of next week’s “But it’s nice to come down those last few holes ’s Thomas Detry ¿ nished runner-up to ISPS Handa Wales Open. and know the job was done. I got to the green at Hors¿ eld after also posting a four under par, The Englishman is also guaranteed a share of 12 and I saw him birdie that hole to get to within bogey-free round. £250,000 as part of the European Tour’s Good two so I knew that was going to be quite big. I Sharing third place were player for Golf initiative. The top ten on the rankings holed it, and then had a great two putt on the next , making his ¿ rst start since the after the ISPS Handa UK Championship at and then two really good putts on 14 and 15 which

resumption of the 2020 Race to Dubai, Andrew The Belfry will share the money to donate to were massive. Johnston of and Syme. charities of their choice.

16 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR THOMAS BJØRN TO WALK FROM LANGASQUE STORMS TO MAIDEN TITLE #WENTWORTH2WALES IN AID OF AT ISPS HANDA WALES OPEN UNICEF AND THE GOLF FOUNDATION omain Langasque stormed to victory at Rthe ISPS Handa Wales Open, overturning a ¿ ve- stroke de¿ cit to win his ¿ rst European Tour title. The Frenchman started the ¿ nal day at The Celtic Manor Resort in a share of sixth, ¿ ve shots behind 54-hole co- leaders Sebastian Soderberg and Connor Syme, but the de¿ cit was cut to just one stroke after his second birdie of the day on the sixth hole. homas Bjørn is set for one of the biggest challenges of his career next week The 2015 Amateur Champion continued to lurk one shot back after another when he embarks on a four-day charity walk over 210 kilometres from gain on the ninth, but drew level with a fourth birdie of the day on the #Wentworth2Wales to raise funds for Unicef UK’s Save Generation Covid T par ¿ ve 11th hole. Successive birdies at the 15th and 16th holes saw the appeal and the Golf Foundation as part of the European Tour’s #GolfforGood 25-year-old sign for a bogey-free 65 and an eight under par total as a initiative. nervous wait followed. Inspired by the fundraising exploits in the UK of Sir Tom Moore during the Bogeys on the 14th and 16th holes dashed Syme’s hopes of a maiden COVID-19 lockdown, Bjørn will carry the Ryder Cup from the European Tour’s European Tour victory and both he and Soderberg found the water at the Headquarters at Wentworth Club in Surrey to the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, par ¿ ve 18th, which ultimately ended the Swede’s chances at the eleventh which will host two consecutive European Tour events as part of the new UK Swing. hour. Bjørn was one of Colin Montgomerie’s vice captains on that occasion and the 15- Langasque’s victory elevated him to 31st in the 2020 Race to Dubai time European Tour winner went on to lead Europe in another famous Ryder Cup Rankings presented by Rolex, and also earned him a place in next month’s victory in 2018 when his 12-man team won 17½-10½ at Le Golf National in . U.S. Open after he moved inside the top ten on the UK Swing Order of He will now take on another formidable challenge when he walks from Merit. The top ten golfers not already exempt on that list, including Syme #Wentworth2Wales to raise money for Unicef UK and the Golf Foundation, two and runner up Sami Välimäki of Finland, have now secured their berths at causes which have special signi¿ cance for Bjørn, while he also intends to raise Winged Foot. awareness of the health and wellness bene¿ ts that can be achieved through golf. HØJGAARD SEALS ISPS HANDA UK END OF AN ERA BECKONS AS CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY PARAMOR AND MCFEE CALL TIME

asmus Højgaard became only the second he world of professional golf will witness the end teenager to win twice on the European Tour of an era in October when John Paramor and Andy after edging out Justin Walters in a play-off for TMcFee, the two most celebrated and respected rules R of cials in the game worldwide, call time on their storied the 2020 ISPS HANDA UK Championship. ¿ careers. On a dramatic ¿ nal day at The Belfry, the 19-year- In total the duo have administered the rules of the game on old from Denmark came from ¿ ve strokes back to the fairways of the world for over 80 years, John (65) having ¿ nish level with Walters on 14 under par.When the contest went to extra holes, Højgaard held his nerve started with the European Tour in April 1976 while Andy with consecutive pars down the 18th, with his South (62) saw his time with the Tour begin in September 1983. African opponent making a bogey on the second trip But both have decided that the time is now right to step back down the last. down. Their ¿ nal event together will be this year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club from October 8-11, Højgaard became the ¿ rst player born in the 21st century to come through last year the tournament taking place, ¿ ttingly, in the shadow of the European Tour headquarters itself. and won his ¿ rst European Tour title in just his ¿ fth start – also in a play-off - at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open. Italian Matteo Manassero is the only other player to have captured two titles In recognition of the impact they have had on the game of before turning 20. golf, the European Tour recently invited the pair to reminisce about their careers in a fascinating face-to-face discussion. After reaching the turn in 33, Højgaard dropped his ¿ rst shot of the day on the 12th. That appeared to leave Walters and two-time Major winner battling for the title, but in The topics covered ranged from how they got into refereeing a remarkable ¿ nish Højgaard birdied the 14th and 16th and eagled the par ¿ ve 17th to complete in the ¿ rst place to what being a European Tour referee a round of 65. actually entails. They also touched on their interactions with With three UK Swing top tens in addition to his victory at The Belfry, Højgaard tops the Mini the greats of the game such as Seve Ballesteros, Order of Merit and receives an additional £60,000 to donate to charity, with the Childhood Cancer and José MaríaOlazábal, and also with a certain golf-mad Foundation and Ronald McDonald House in Denmark his nominated charities. US President! Images Courtesy : GettyImages

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 17 ON THE PGA TOUR

DUSTIN JOHNSON DAZZLES AT THE NORTHERN TRUST

that Johnson had been putting together for four days in the FedExCup Playoffs opener. So, with the lights out, a light rain falling, and evening upon the TPC Boston stage, Johnson returned to apply seven more strokes to a masterful performance that came close to setting records in a variety of ways. His laser show of ball-striking prowess utterly overwhelming in THE NORTHERN TRUST, Dustin Johnson was forced from TPC Boston late in Sunday’s ¿ nal round by the ferocity of Mother Nature. Impressive as that thunderstorm was, it lasted just 75 minutes and wasn’t about to put a halt to this dominating performance that Johnson had been putting together for four days in the FedExCup Playoffs opener. So, with the lights out, a light rain falling, and evening upon the TPC Boston stage, is laser show of ball-striking ferocity of Mother Nature. Johnson returned to apply seven more prowess utterly overwhelming Impressive as that thunderstorm was, it strokes to a masterful performance that in THE NORTHERN TRUST, lasted just 75 minutes and wasn’t about to + came close to setting records in a variety Dustin Johnson was forced from TPC put a halt to this dominating performance of ways. Boston late in the ¿ nal round by the

HERMAN CLOSES OUT ‘VERY SATISFYING’ WIN AT THE

im Herman rallied to win the Wyndham Championship for his third PGA Tour -title and a spot in the Fedex Cup Playoffs, shooting a 7-under 63 for a one-stroke victory over Billy Horshel. Herman overcame a four-stroke de¿ cit in the ¿ nal round at Sedge¿ eld Country Club. He overtook Horschel with a birdie on the 71st hole.The 42-year-old Herman ¿ nished at 21-under 259. Horschel closed with a 65. He had a ¿ nal chance to tie on the 72nd hole, but his 8-foot birdie putt slid left of the cup. Herman got into the FedExCup Playoffs, jumping from 192nd to 54th in the race for the 125 spots. He hoisted a trophy for the second straight season and third time since 2017. Herman had two birdies and an eagle -- from 59 feet -- on his ¿ rst ¿ ve holes to catch up to Kim. Then, trailing Horschel by a stroke, Herman It was quite a week for Herman, who had three Horschel looked as if he was the one to rally stuck his approach to No. 17 to just over 3 feet birdies over his ¿ nal four holes Friday simply to as he moved from three behind Kim to the lead for a birdie to reach 21 under. He gained the make the cut. He followed that up with a career- with a birdie-eagle- birdie run on the front nine lead when Horschel missed a 12-footer for par low 61 on Saturday to get into striking distance while Kim struggled with a double bogey and a on 16. before taking the victory. bogey over his ¿ rst eight holes.

18 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 ON THE PGA TOUR

WERENSKI WINS FIRST PGA TOUR TITLE AT BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

ichy Werenski holed a À op shot from so it just helps my con¿ dence a lot. the fairway on the par-4 16th for a Now I know I’m good enough, and 5¿ ve-point eagle and birdied the last now we’re going to go make a good for a one-point victory over Troy Merritt on move for the FedExCup Playoffs.” Sunday in the Barracuda Championship. The ¿ fth straight ¿ rst-time winner Werenski won for the ¿ rst time on the PGA in the TOUR’s lone modi¿ ed TOUR, scoring 13 points in the ¿ nal round scoring event, Werenski on Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood earned a spot next week in the PGA Course -- the ¿ rst-time venue after 21 years Championship in San Francisco. He at Montreux Golf and Country Club. The and Merritt, also in the ¿ eld next 28-year-old former Georgia Tech player won week at TPC Harding Park, secured the event three years after losing to Chris spots in the U.S. Open in September Stroud on the second hole of a . at Winged Foot. “It’s huge,” Werenski said. “I’ve been “I knew I needed a big day and then I started just kind of snapping out of it, stopped trying playing well for I feel like the last couple off with a bogey, which wasn’t good,” on every shot, stick with my game plan and of months, but to get a win, I mean, that’s Werenski said. “Just wasn’t in a great rhythm just try and make as many birdies as we huge. I got a couple seconds and everything, early on in the round, but did a good job of could.”

ZACH JOHNSON HONORED WITH PGA JUSTIN THOMAS WINS BY THREE TOUR’S PAYNE STEWART AWARD SHOTS AT WGC-FEDEX ST. JUDE

n acknowledgement of his character, ,sportsmanship and dedication to charitable giving, Zach Johnson has been named the recipient of the PGA TOUR’s Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company. Johnson will be honored on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Payne Stewart Award Ceremony in conjunction with the TOUR Championship. The osses are often learning experiences, and that was the case for ceremony will be televised live on as part of a “Golf Central” Justin Thomas at the -FedEx St. Jude special from 7-7:30 p.m. ET at the Southern Exchange in downtown Atlanta. Invitational. The Payne Stewart Award is presented annually by the PGA TOUR to a / who best exempli¿ es Stewart’s steadfast values of Losing a three-stroke lead three weeks ago helped him make an character, charity and sportsmanship. Stewart, an 11-time winner on the PGA unprecedented comeback at TPC Southwind. Thomas now has 13 PGA TOUR and member, died tragically 21 years ago TOUR victories, but he won this latest one in a way that he never had. during the week of the TOUR Championship in 1999. Southern Company, He started Sunday in ¿ fth place. Never before has he won after starting the the “Of¿ cial Energy Company of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR ¿ nal round so low on the leaderboard. He also trailed by four, matching the Champions,” was the TOUR Championship sponsor the year of Stewart’s largest ¿ nal-round de¿ cit he’s overcome on the PGA TOUR.The victory passing. A year later, the PGA TOUR created the Payne Stewart Award in kept him on an elite pace. Thomas shot 13-under 267 (66-70-66-65) for his honor, and Southern Company has supported the annual presentation four rounds at TPC Southwind, good for a three-shot victory over Brooks since its inception. Koepka, , Daniel Berger and Tom Lewis. “I never got to meet Payne, but I loved him,” Johnson said. “I loved how he Thomas got into position with a stellar 31 on the front nine. He missed just played the game certainly as a competitor but then how he lived his life off the one green (he hit the fringe) and had birdie putts within 25 feet on all nine golf course – he’s the model. I remember going to the TOUR Championship holes. He bogeyed the 12th hole but birdies on 15 and 16, the former made and the Payne Stewart Award Ceremony my rookie year and thinking, ‘This possible by a fortuitous bounce, were the difference. is the pinnacle of a PGA TOUR player’s career.’ It’s about how you utilize the Thomas ¿ nished ¿ rst in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green, second in Strokes gifts you are given, and I know Payne lived that way. Gained: Approach-the-Green and second in proximity to the hole.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 19 ON THE

Burgeoning Asian Tour Mercuries Destinations programme Masters 2020 announces new venues cancelled

sian Tour Destinations - an exclusive network of world-class golf he long-standing , venues with direct ties to the Asian Tour - has signi¿ cantly strengthened originally scheduled to tee off at the Taiwan Golf Aits presence in the region with the addition of three premier golf clubs. Tand Country Club from September 17-20, will Black Mountain in Hua Hin, ; Classic Golf & Country be cancelled this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 Club in , India; and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club in Kuala pandemic. Lumpur, , have all become part of the exciting network, which will The decision to cancel the Mercuries Taiwan Masters be adding prominent venues from the Asia Paci¿ c region to its portfolio in was based on health and safety concerns as well as the near future. international travel restrictions on players living outside In addition, Asian Tour Destinations has further enhanced its portfolio Chinese Taipei. The tournament will now be staged in by partnering with online booking portal Tee Time Saver and the globally 2021 in its traditional time slot. leading Customer Service Analysis provider 59Club Asia. The Mercuries Taiwan Masters was inaugurated in 1987 Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “We and has been held annually on the Asian Tour from welcome the new venues on board, and we look forward to working with 2004. them and further developing our relationships. They represent the top-tier of It was announced earlier this year that the total prize gol¿ ng properties in Asia and are a perfect ¿ t for Asian Tour Destinations. purse for the Mercuries Taiwan Masters will be “Through our combined resources these golf clubs will bene¿ t from the increased to US$950,000 from US$900,000. It enjoyed signi¿ cant value that the Asian Tour and Asian Tour Destinations brand will a US$50,000 increase to US$850,000 in 2018, before add to their commercial and strategic goals in combination with support from another US$50,000 increase in 2019 took its prize purse Tee Time Saver and 59Club Asia.” to US$900,000 then. The primary mission of Asian Tour Destinations is to provide an af¿ liate Last year, Thailand’s SuraditYongcharoenchai clinched membership programme between the associated venues – with a collective his Asian Tour breakthrough at the Mercuries Taiwan membership base of 7,500 golfers - and the Asian Tour which will help grow Masters with a one-shot victory while local veteran Lu the game of golf in the region. Wen-teh remains the only champion to have successfully In particular, being a part of the Asian Tour Destinations network means that defended his title in 2008. each venue is certi¿ ed Tour caliber and operates a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests under tournament-ready Lu also holds the record of most wins in the event with conditions all-year round. four in 1994, 1996, 2007 and 2008.

Lee makes history with successful title defence at

orea’s Taehee Lee became the ¿ rst player to successfully defend his title in the 39-year history of the GS Caltex KMaekyung Open when he closed with a second straight three- under-par 67 to win by one shot at the Elysian Gangchon Country Club on Sunday. Lee, who claimed his Asian Tour breakthrough at the Maekyung Open last May, returned to a new venue for his title defence and successfully retained the trophy with a winning total of 11-under-par 199 in the 54-hole event for his fourth title on his domestic Tour. The 36-year-old got off to a fast start with three straight birdies in his opening four holes but slipped back with four bogeys against receives four Of¿ cial World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points following two birdies in his next 10 holes. He bounced back with back-to-back his victory to break into the world’s top-500. birdies on 15 and 16 and eventually won after leader Minkyu Cho Over at the ISPS HANDA Wales Open on the European Tour, stumbled with a bogey-bogey ¿ nish. Malaysia’s continued his ¿ ne form to notch a top-10 Lee, who ¿ nished in a commendable third place on the 2019 Asian ¿ nish at The Celtic Manor Resort located in the City of Newport, Tour Order of Merit, takes home a prize purse of US$134,442 and Wales.

20 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 ON THE ASIAN TOUR

een titan Joohyung Kim has been proclaimed the winner of the 2019/20 Teen sensation Joohyung Kim TPanasonic Swing after of¿ cials decided to conclude the third edition of the series of Korea has been proclaimed the following the cancellation of the Golf Championship which was slated winner of the 2019/20 Panasonic to take place in this September. The Panasonic Swing, a ranking based on Swing aggregate points earned by players at selected tournaments across Asia, was originally be decided based on points accumulated ¿ nish at the , where he made planned to span across events in ¿ ve from three events - 2019 Thailand Open, his second Asian Tour start last season and countries, with the top-three ¿ nishers sharing 2019 Panasonic Open India and 2019 BNI ¿ rst after securing three victories on the Asian a total prize purse of US$150,000 via a bonus . The total prize purse has Development Tour the same year. The talented pool reward scheme. also been adjusted accordingly to US$90,000. Korean went on to clinch a sensational Disruptions caused by the ongoing Kim, who turned 18 years old last month, will breakthrough at the Panasonic Open India a COVID-19 pandemic, however, have forced take home a bonus prize of US$50,000 after week later, becoming the second youngest of¿ cials to conclude the 2019/2020 Panasonic sealing the top spot with a total of 2,172.60 professional to win on the Asian Tour at the Swing where the top-three winners will now points. Kim claimed a notable tied-sixth age of 17 years and 149 days.

Yang makes seismic impact on world golf with Major win

t last weekend’s PGA Championship, after leading at the halfway mark. Yang’s legendary victory in the 2009 PGA there was a real possibility that Sadly, his challenge failed to materialize over Championship continues. Aa player from Asia would lift the the weekend while Asia had some consolation That memorable win was, in fact, achieved 11 famous Wanamaker Trophy. in the fact that the winner, America’s shining years ago on this day. The huge audience of golfers, and non- new-star Collin Morikawa, is half Japanese. In what is another signi¿ cant moment in time golfers, watching west of the Paci¿ c tuned And so the quest by Asia to produce a that feels like only yesterday, Yang became the in to see if China’s Li Haotong could prevail winner of a Major to match Korean Y.E. ¿ rst Asian-born player to win a Major.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 21 Cover Story AMIT LUTHRA

aving won a Gold for India in the 1982 Asian games, Managing Partner of Luthra & Luthra Chartered Accountants recounts participating in World Amateur championships with the likes of , Sergio Garcia & Matt Kuchar. The Cool Man, Amit Luthra’s quest to promote the game of has led to a few talented Golfers emerging to put India on the golfi ng map of the THE world. The Arjuna Awardee fi rmly believes that India is capable of producing world champions if deserving talent from the weaker sections of society are supported.

GP: Tell us about your fi rst brush with the game and the early years? AL: My father was in the Indian Air force, in early 60’s during his Kanpur posting, I used to stroll COOL around with him on the weekends, pull his trolley

and hit a few shots. Thereafter, I became passionate about the sport. I got hooked (pun intended) on to the game. In Delhi we stayed in Dhaula Kuan from where I used to cycle down to the Army Golf Club and sometimes even to the Delhi Golf Club, which was around 10 kms. I placed my golf set on my trolley which I tied to my cycle carrier. I did my schooling from Air force central, Subroto Park, which was also next door and so was my college- Venkateshwara. Whenever I had a free period, I would hop across to the Army golf course practice for an hour and go back. As I had two siblings, money was scarce, I therefore used to practice my full shots for 4-5 hours with a fore caddy and thereafter honed my short game on Leading Indian golfer, Amit Luthra my own so as to get maximum mileage out of my turns back the clock reminiscing practice sessions. GP: How did The Golf Foundation come about? on his game, profession and The AL: Early 1990, when I was playing for India, I Golf Foundation. had a fore caddy, Ashok Kumar to pick my practice balls, he must been 8-9 years old. After practising my long shots, I would do my chipping putting, he New golf club for Icy Antarctica water body would be a mute spectator and watched me daily.

22 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 AMIT LUTHRA Cover Story

1ST EVER TO COMPLETE A TRIFECTA - WON THE 3 NATIONAL TITLES - “JUNIORS, MENS & SENIORS INDIAN NATIONALS”

One day he challenged me for a putting match willing to bet his days caddy fees I owed him that too without taking any strokes. That’s the time I realised how valiant & courageous he was, he had the guts to challenge India No.1 at that age without any handicap. One day he came crying to me stating that he was wrongly accused of stealing Rs 50, due to which he was expelled from the golf course. I took him to the Delhi Golf Club and made him my caddy, enrolled him in the Junior Training Programme. While representing India in the Singapore Amateur (which incidentally I won with a record score of 12 under) I bought him a brand new x12 Callaway set worth Rs 1.5 lakhs. He then went on to became the top sub-junior, top junior, top men amateur and then at the age of 18 turned professional and within a year bought a Mercedes car and 2 À ats in DLF (approx. Rs 1 Famed Swilken Bridge in St Andrews Links golf course Crore). Being a CA I did a back of the envelope WHAT’S NEXT? calculation, to earn Rs 1 Cr (which he earned tournaments in India & abroad. More importantly almost on an year to year basis) he would have to we mentor the kids, help in placement in foreign A lot of golfers at the Delhi Golf Club have work for 12 life times’ @Rs 5/hour as fore caddy universities. We have also developed educational been coaxing me to stand for elections. fees. & grooming apps. For the kids who do not make These people are a witness to what I have it to the professional ranks, we manage to place That’s when I realised that there may be many achieved in Golf and think that I am the them in PSU’s-Oil Companies for competing in more like him. So I got together a few friends and right guy for the job. The fact that I know PSPB golf tournaments, also employed in Army, we set up The Golf Foundation-NGO charitable the club inside out, I decided to contest for Navy, Airforce for inter services tournaments. society in 2000 and as they say, rest is history. Captaincy of Delhi Golf Club. I have 4 other For all the above we need cash. Money makes Presently (our bene¿ ciary) and worthy opponents, let’s see if I can do my the world go round. We hold fundraising (our Brand Ambassador) bit for the sport. tournaments, for that golf courses such as Classic, would be representing India in the ensuing Tokyo Wellington, Delhi Golf Club, BPGC, Noida Golf If I do get elected as the Captain, I plan to Olympics. We have helped out over 400 kids in Course have all helped out and given me the golf take substantial time out from my work the last 20 years and they all are doing very well course free of cost. We also have the likes of Le like Chikka Rangappa, Honey Bisoya, Harinder & Golf Foundation (which is being run by Meridian who hosted 3k people when we did Gupta etc. In 2017, we received the, “Rashtriya my CEO & nephew Angad Luthra). I plan an event with Amir Khan. People are chipping Khel Protshan Puraskar”- highest National Award to devote myself for the betterment of in with Cash and Kind. Amongst equipment for sports promotion, from Hon President Shri golf and the Delhi Golf Club. In case of manufacturers, we have Ping, Callaway, Ram Nath Kovind. any confl ict between the Foundation & the Taylormade and Titleist who have given the club, my allegiance would (goes without GP: What does the Golf foundation do & how foundation huge discounts, gift vouchers & saying) be totally with DGC. do you raise money? free clubs as well. Few others have been giving AL: We provide monthly emoluments, latest in kind. Bisleri, Pepsi, Coke, art work by Atul equipment-clubs, balls, gloves, shoes, physical Sarin’s Spark Advertising, last but not the least, one needs. Companies like TATA, SRF, Sterling & golf training, expenses for participating in Anil Dev’s resplendent GolfPlus but cash is what Tools, Holtech, Satya Paul, Cream Centre and ACCOLADES

Receiving ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar’ At the Asia Pacific Seniors Amit Luthra with Kapil Dev from Hon President Ram Nath Kovid

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 23 Cover Story AMIT LUTHRA

Only golfer to have played on all 7 continents

Yoga any one?

Refreshing swim in (-) 8 degrees frigid waters ADVICE FOR Havells come to the fore to mention a few. virus is going to stay for some time. Vaccine is PARENTS? Celebrities who have supported us include not expected before the 1st quarter of 2021. We At this age everything is very competitive, Kapil Dev, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, have to learn to live with the virus as it is also my basic plea to the parents is to expose Mahila Jayweardena, Yuvraj Singh, Ajit Agarkar, mutating. I personally feel that the virus has their kids to all sports- football, cricket, Mondira Bedi, Charu Sharma, Zaira Wasim, helped us in many ways. By giving us nice clean horse riding, swimming and others. Just Abhishek Bacchan, Boman Irani, Jacke Shroff, atmosphere, nature is in its glory, we have a new let them decide as to what they want. The Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan etc. perspective to life and have started valuing our child should enjoy the sport to the fullest. relationships more. The only negative is that a GP: Amit’s secret for ‘perfect’ golf. large number of people have lost their near and The horse has to be put before the cart, AL: Golf is a game like any other. Don’t get too dear ones. not the other way around. emotionally involved but at the same time give GP: How has the pandemic aff ected the Also do not live your life though your it your all. Like Krishan Bhagwan said “Fal ki child. ichha mat kar karam kie jaa”. So just enjoy the business? journey. Give your 200% by doing your physical AL: India’s GDP has gone down. It’s a vicious training, mapping and Intelligent Practice. Its cycle. People are not coming to work be it GP: What would be the biggest challenge for quality practice not quantity practice that counts. services or manufacturing sector. Some Factories have come to a grinding halt. If people are not a revival? GP: Why didn’t you choose Golf as a career? coming to work they are not getting salaries. No AL: Biggest challenge would be to get the AL: When I started playing good golf in the 80’s, salaries, means no money, means no demand, sponsors back. And sponsors will come only if there was not much money in India and the same correspondingly supply would also be effected. they get footfalls and eyeballs. But the footfalls was true for the Asian Tour. In the early 90’s Also with no manufacturing there would be no won’t come because galleries are not allowed. money did start coming on the Asian Tour. But supply. Hopefully we will have a vaccine developed just as I was going to turn pro in 1993, I suffered Verticals like hospitality, travel, tourism, aviation, shortly, which will take care of the mutations as a slipped disc. But the good thing was, I was luxury goods are the worst affected. well and we should be back to the good old days. playing with the top guys in the World Amateur GP: Being a proponent of all-round wellness, even then - I played with Sergio Garcia, Matt how would you relate it to the pandemic? Kucher and Tiger Woods. Luckily as I did my chartered accountancy, I didn’t have to worry AL: Earlier we used to wear a mask for pollution about money and could take my game to the next but now due to work from home there is less level amongst the amateurs. vehicular pollution- air is much cleaner. I had two air-puri¿ ers in my room. I have not used GP: What is the extent of the impact of them since March. We can go for walk, the birds Covid19 on Golf? are chirping, the atmosphere is so clean and the AL: Covid is something that has come out of wildlife is back to its best. On the golf course, the blue but golf already has an advantage that we can see peacocks, mongoose, Neel gai and it is a social distancing group. We are playing snakes. It has really rejuvenated everything. in a fourball and between every game there is a I have a gym, golf simulator & all my ¿ tness gap of minimum 10 mins. Problem will come in essentials at home so I am sorted. But for those tournaments as galleries are not allowed. who don’t have these facilities at their home, GP: What would be the challenges for Golf they can still exercise and workout at home. 3 once the Pandemic blows over? exercises Squats, Running and bench press cover AL: It is not going to go away in a hurry, the 271 yards carry, not bad at 60 yrs 90% of your muscle group.

24 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 HERE TO HELP YOU SAVE PLAY BETTERSHOTS SWING TIPS XPRACTICE DRILLSXSTRATEGYXMENTAL XTOUR INSIGHT Simple Shank Saviour Page 30

INSIDE THIS SECTION...

STRATEGY SCORING TECHNIQUE WINNERS TRICK How to approach tricky par 3s Find salvation from the shanks Power Game Ground Force Role Model Collin Morikawa

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 25 PLAY BETTER Learn from world’s professional Play smart PAR-3 TEE SHOT his is the beautiful par-3 17th protection. A master strategist, Colt at the Harry Colt-designed wanted his holes to demand as T Calcot Park in Reading. As much brain power as swing power. It anyone who has played Rye or is interesting how this particular Sunningdale New will know, Colt hole, which demands accurate had a particular genius for par 3s. judgement of distance, employs a 2: ELEVATION CHANGES His short holes were typically series of tactics to challenge it. challenging but playable, drawing Decode this hole – and others like it MASTER THE UPS on subtlety and angled bunker – by addressing these five AND DOWNS clusters, rather than brute length for elements. As well as presenting a great view of the green, this elevated tee creates a slight downhill shot. It is rare that the par-3 tee is at the same height as 1: SLOPE DISTORTION the green. This is important TRUST YOUR YARDAGE, for clubbing, because you NOT YOUR EYES broadly need to add a yard to the shot length for every yard Colt routed this par 3 across the green is above the tee, and a valley – a not uncommon subtract one for every yard it is setting for a short hole. below. While many DMDs can Gradients, both downhill calculate elevation changes, and uphill, can skew depth this feature must be turned off perception, lulling you into for competition under Rule 4.3. seeing the shot as either longer or shorter than it actually is. On holes like this, it is more important than ever to work out a cold, hard yardage – either through a Distance Measuring Device (DMD) or the tee plates – and trust it.

26 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 TOP 50 TEACHER Gareth Johnston Berkshire PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Calcot Park

3: GRADIENTS BEWARE THE HIGH SIDE Colt liked to work his greens into the lie of the land. This is a great example, the green shelving on natural contours from higher right to lower left. From the tee, always assess the lie of the land 4: BUNKER FRAMING around the green. Alarm bells should start ringing if CONSIDER YOUR the pin is cut towards the SAND STRATEGY higher side – as it is here With some of the mosy – because it makes for an heavily-bunkered green almost impossible up-and- complexes on the course, par 5: WIND IMPACT down from that side. In these 3 strategy often comes down ALLOW FOR THE GUSTS cases, shift your focus to the to sand placement. This green Calcot Park is an undulating safe, lower side of the green. – more heavily protected course and Colt placed this and narrower at the front, 17th tee pretty much at its but wider and offering more highest point – especially off margin for error further back this raised back tee. As such, – follows a common par-3 it is quite exposed and more pattern. This is why, very wind-affected than other often, taking one extra club parts of the course. On blowy and playing for the back of the days, always place the hole in green makes a lot of sense for the context of the landscape the club player. to assess how much your shot will be affected… and use the flag and greenside trees to fine-tune how much you need to take wind into account.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 27 PLAY BETTER Learn from world’s professional Power game GROUND FORCE round reaction ball so far. We do not force has been need to get bogged down G acknowledged since in the science of GRF; but Newton announced his if we grasp that by using laws of motion, but it has the ground’s resistance only come into the golfi ng we can create more swing lexicon relatively recently force, we can start to use – usually in an attempt to it in our techniques. Here explain how today’s is the simple explanation power-hitting tour and a couple of drills you professionals send the might like to try.

DRILL 1: SQUAT THRUST To understand how the ground can create power, let’s look at a simple standing jump TAKE A LEAP From the squat spring upwards, as high as you can. Repeat this several times. You will start to feel how a deeper squat allows a more vigorous spring, and a higher jump. Deeper, higher This is effectively Ground Reaction Force at work. The more pressure you apply to the ground through your feet during the squat, the more the ground resists you and the higher your capacity to push off against it. The speed and height of your jump is in direct relation to the force you apply to the GOLF STANCE START LEG WORK ground. Stand in your golfing posture, Criss-cross your arms on feet shoulder-width apart your chest. Now increase and knees comfortably flexed. your golfing posture into Make sure you feel balanced, a squat, making sure your weight down under the centre weight remains centred and of both feet. balanced.

28 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 TOP 50 TEACHER Ben Emerson PGA Bowood, Wilts, Head PGA Professional and Advanced TPI Golf Instructor.

DRILL 2: 1 2 ADD ROTATION Although it might not look like it, this squat-and-jump motion is essentially the one golfers like Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy use to propel the so far. Of course, they use it as part of a rotational movement. So let’s do the same with the squat drill to bring the motion closer to golf.

Turn and press Up and out Cross your arms again and take your golf stance. But this time, From that rotated squat position, use the ground pressure you’ve as you squat down, rotate your chest away from the “target”. create to spin up and around, as high and as fast as possible. It Allow some extra flex in your legs, and feel a loss of height as will take a few goes until you feel you’ve co-ordinated the move, you compress against the ground. Above all, feel increased but persevere and you’ll begin to feel how the ground can help you pressure on the ground, down through your feet. develop a truly dynamic rotational move. 3 4

Repeat with your driver Power through Once you’ve got the hang of this squatting, spinning and … then, as before, push up and rotate as hard as you can to jumping motion, try it with your driver… though leave a golf the downswing and deliver the club. Don’t restrict yourself with ball out for now. Swing back, feeling that low, squatting thoughts of control or precision; stay focused on creating power and rotation and increased ground pressure… speed through pushing against the ground. Finally, when you begin to feel more comfortable with the move, add a ball.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 29 TOP 50 TEACHER Gareth Benson garethbensongolf.co.uk, Elite county coach and PLAY BETTER head coach at Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa.

Score zone SOCKET SPANNER CENTRE POINT The shank shows its face when Start by getting a marker pen the ball is struck excessively – the more vivid colour, the into the heel, where the hosel better – and drawing a small SIMPLE SHANK folds back into the clubface. It is dot on the ideal strike point: the typically caused by issues with centre of the clubface. This spot path; swinging across the line – should dominate your attention SAVIOUR in-to-out or out-to-in – can bring throughout this drill. the heel into the path of the ball. hen you have an attack of the short game shanks, it Wcan feel as if there is nothing you can do to solve the problem. But very often, becoming more conscious of the element that causes the shot – the impact strike point on the club – can cut through the turmoil and get you finding the centre of the face again. The next time you are afflicted, try this drill: it is simple, it is quick and it is effective.

FOCUS ON CONTACT Now hit a chip shot; choose the length of shot at which you are having most trouble. Forget technical thoughts and focus simply on getting that inky clubface spot to leave a mark on the back of the ball. Pure path A simple focus on strike point – getting the middle of the club to contact the back of the ball – has the power to straighten your path, and improve strike quality. The small, red dot is a great way to create this focus and intention. MAKE YOUR MARK Check the ball; did you manage to transfer the clubface ink to it? Doing so reveals a strike pulled away from the heel into the centre of the face. If there is no mark, ink up the face again and repeat the drill until you are regularly seeing a mark on the ball.

30 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 TOP 50 TEACHER Steve Thomas www.stevethomasgolf.com, Senior PGA Instructor Learn from world’s professional at 3 Hammers Golf Academy, Wolverhampton.

Role model... TRAIL ARM NOT YET FULLY EXTENDED Note how Collin’s right (trail) arm COLLIN is still slightly fl exed a beat after impact. This helps produce a ball-fi rst contact. Club golfers often straighten this arm too early, causing casting and a MORIKAWA low-compression strike. Imagine your trail he postponement of the Ryder arm is a piston; as you swing through, Cup may have caused problems that piston should extend to a point T for the European Tour, but it beyond the ball. Feel pressure in looks like it could spell trouble for the lifeline of your trail palm the European team too. Shifted as you do this. to 2021, the event gives Collin Morikawa the chance to gain another year of Tour experience and press his claims for a place on the team. This young American won four points from four at the 2017 . Aged just 22, he already looks set to be a thorn in the European side for many years to come. With victory at the Workday Charity Open, Morikawa joined one T. Woods in winning his second PGA Tour event before missing his second cut. His impressive blend TRAIL-HAND GRIP of technique, focus and CREATES PRESSURE intensity has taken him to Notice Collin’s right-hand grip. He’s 13th in the world in just 28 aligned some key points with the rear events. Central to this side of the handle, notably the index fi nger success is his ability to fl ush and the lifeline of the palm. By maintaining irons at will. Here, we strip pressure through these points, he can down his technique to see compress the ball at impact because the how he does it… and how you club is well supported. can too. To fi nd a similarly eff ective hold, place your trail-hand lifeline against the side of the lead thumb.

BALL FIRST, TURF SECOND Collin makes contact with the ball fi rst and turf afterwards, beyond where the ball was lying. This indicates a descending attack angle, an essential part of play as it promotes clean, powerful contact with a ball resting on the ground. SPEED To hone this, draw or picture a chalk line DELIVERS on the fl oor and place a ball on it. COMPRESSION When you swing, try to get your Higher impact speed means divot hole-side of that line. greater ball compression. Collin uses the ground to help his pelvis rotate dynamically through. Most club golfers do not use the ground as well and have lower speeds as a result. To improve this, hit shots barefoot. It gives a sense of the pressures you should feel when COLLIN’S making a swing. Feel pressure 2020 BY NUMBERS under your lead foot – not Strokes gained trail – at impact. [green approach] 1.084 [1st] Driving distance 296.7 yards [T108th] GIR percentage 70.5% [26th] Stroke average 70.006 [19th] World ranking 13th

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 31 TOP 50 TEACHER David Armitage Master PGA Professional, South Florida Chapter PGA Teacher PLAY BETTER of the Year Jim McLean Lead Master instructor.

Basics AVOID: EYES OUTSIDE THE BALL While many golfers have reported seeing square better from inside the ball, it is very THE EYES HAVE IT rare they do so with their eyes “outside” the ball. This posture also tends to squeeze or most of us, the notion of Foley recently claimed as many as 90 your hands and arms close to your body, positioning our eyes over the ball per cent of Tour pros putt with their compromising flowing motion and creating a F as we set up is an accepted part eyes slightly inside the ball. So, far path at odds with the ’s natural arc. of putting. However, in recent years from being a hard and fast rule, “eyes this “rule” has come under increased over ball” is something you can and scrutiny. Scientifi c work designed to should experiment with. Here’s how. help us understand our perception of line has revealed diff erent golfers see “straight” better from a range of head positions… and leading coach Sean

TRADITIONAL: EYES OVER BALL The classic putting address sets your eyes over the ball, and, ideally, your hands under your shoulders. The perceived wisdom here is that with a simple swivel of the head your eyes can track up and down the line. Seeing straight Many putting experts, including Dave Pelz and Dave Stockton, advocate eyes over ball. But while it has worked for many golfers, pro and amateur, some golfers report seeing the hole as further left than it actually is from this position, creating a pulled putt.

EXPERIMENT WITH: EYES INSIDE If you are feeling a disconnect between your target line from behind and how it appears to you over the ball, try putting with your eyes inside the ball. This posture gives your arms room to hang, and encourages an arcing stroke that works in harmony with the putter’s angle and natural plane of movement. Distorted view To help you find an effective head position, place a ball or tee peg midway between the hole and ball on a flat putt. When you ‘see’ the tee as on the ball-hole line, your head is in a good position. Be prepared that this could put your eyes several inches inside the ball-hole line.

32 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature MORIKAWA WINS PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT AGE 23

he shot will be remembered as one of the best under pressure that hardly anyone witnessed. It made Collin Morikawa a major champion in a thrill-a- minute PGA Championship that not many will forget. Morikawa hit driver on the 294-yard 16th hole that was perfect in À ight and even better when it landed, hopping onto the green and rolling to 7 feet for an eagle that all but clinched victory on a most quiet Sunday afternoon at Harding Park. In the ¿ rst major without spectators, the 23-year- old Californian ¿ nished with a bang. “I was hoping for a really good bounce and got it,” he said. “I hit a really good putt, and now we’re here.” He closed with a 6-under 64, the lowest ¿ nal in college, but never set up with rough like this Casey and his bid to win a ¿ rst major at age 43. round by a PGA champion in 25 years, for a or with the all the way back. Morikawa ¿ nished at 13-under 267, and left so two-shot victory over Paul Casey and Dustin Now he has three PGA TOUR victories and many others wondering how close they came. Johnson, two of 10 players who had a chance is No. 5 in the world, taking his place among Matthew Wolff, who grew up with Morikawa in on the back nine. the young stars by beating a cast of world-class Southern California and turned pro last summer Morikawa was among seven players tied for players on the public course in San Francisco. with him, shot a 65 and joined Jason Day, the lead, as wild as any Sunday in a major. He For Johnson, it was another major that got away. Bryson DeChambeau, Tony Finau and PGA took the lead when he chipped in for birdie He had a one-shot lead and didn’t do too much TOUR rookie Scottie SchefÀ er at 10-under 270. from 40 feet short of the 14th green. And then wrong on the day except for not keeping it in the Cameron Champ, among eight players who had he delivered the knockout with one swing along fairway for better chances of birdie. He drove a share of the lead at some point, lost momentum the shores of Lake Merced, into the on the 16th and chipped in for with a double bogey at the turn. DeChambeau dropped two shots at the turn and never caught The COVID-19 pandemic that moved the birdie when it was too late, and a birdie on the up until it was too late. PGA Championship from May to August was 18th gave him a 68 and a tie for second. allowed to be played only if spectators were not It was his ¿ fth runner-up ¿ nish in a major -- his Morikawa, in only his 28th start as a pro and allowed. But there was one person who won’t only title is the 2016 U.S. Open -- and his second his second major, played bogey-free. His only forget what he saw. straight runner-up in the PGA Championship. mistake was at the end, when it was time to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy, the heaviest of the four Casey, with his ¿ rst good shot at winning a Brooks Koepka didn’t make a birdie until the major trophies. The lid came off and tumbled to major, birdied the 16th to tie Morikawa for the 12th hole. He went from two shots behind to the grass as Morikawa’s eyes bulged. lead. Standing on the tee at the par-3 17th, he a 74, tying for 29th.”It’s my ¿ rst bad round in looked back and saw the ball roll toward the a major in a while,” said Koepka, who said he If that was his only mistake, consider it a good cup. spent the back nine mostly trying to cheer on day. A major day. “What a shot,” was all Casey could say. “Nothing you can do but tip you cap to that. Collin had taken on that challenge and pulled it Morikawa hit driver on the 294-yard 16th hole that was perfect in off. That’s what champions do.” Golf’s latest major champion was still in the flight and even better when it landed, hopping onto the green and vicinity of TPC Harding Park just over a year ago, ¿ nishing up his degree at California and rolling to 7 feet for an eagle that all but clinched victory on a most his All-American career, part of a new cast of quiet Sunday afternoon at Harding Park. young stars in a sport ¿ lled with them.He only played Harding Park about a dozen times while

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 33 Feature

Adam Scott Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus Brooks Koepka INSPIRED BY A TIMELESS SPIRIT had spent the afternoon meeting members of Club de Golf in Pachuca, just outside Mexico City. The occasion had overrun, and she was due somewhere else but did not leave. Ochoa put her schedule on hold because she had promised she would speak to the clubÊs juniors.

t was 2007 and the 25-year-old Ochoa, Fassi has joined Lopez, Ochoa and Sörenstam in from Guadalajara, was No. 1 in the Rolex the Rolex family of Testimonees. As she grows Women’s World Golf Rankings. She had into her new role of being a global ambassador reached the pinnacle of the sport and was of golf, the advice she received from her idol and in the form of her life. Everybody wanted to fellow countrywoman stays with her. Imeet her and her time was at a premium. However, Since that ¿ rst pioneering handshake with a promise is a promise and young people are the Palmer, Rolex has become a committed supporter future. Ochoa has never lost sight of that. of golf, not only as the Of¿ cial Timekeeper “Lorena was supposed to leave but she said, ‘No, of three of the four men’s Major events and all no, I want to talk to these guys,’ so she actually ¿ ve women’s Major events, but also the leading went off her schedule just for us,” remembers amateur tournaments, international federations Maria Fassi, who was one of the juniors back and organizations representing all golfers. then, but is now herself a star on the Ladies The Big Three remain icons of the game, on the Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, golf course and in many ways beyond. on which the world’s leading female golfers compete around the globe. “That says so much Tiger Woods about Lorena as a person. She answered all our questions and she was just there for us. “It was very special. Lorena was someone I in the sport. Like Ochoa, Rolex understands admired and looked up to. I was not a very good the importance of investing in the future and golfer at the time but I was already very passionate nurturing emerging talent. about the game and I knew I wanted to become a As for 21-year-old Fassi, she and Ochoa have professional and follow in her footsteps.” become close friends since that ¿ rst meeting in Ochoa has a special ability to see the bigger Pachuca 13 years ago. Fassi graduated from picture. Even at the peak of her playing career, the University of Arkansas in 2019 with the she remained appreciative of the role models in NCAA Division 1 Individual title under her Lorena Ochoa her life: her parents, siblings and inspirational belt, turned professional and then ¿ nished 12th golfers who helped to build the LPGA Tour, such on her debut at the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open as gol¿ ng legends Nancy Lopez and Annika – an exceptional result against the world’s Sörenstam. In turn, Ochoa has never failed to best players in one of women’s golf’s most play her part in inspiring the next generation famous Major championships. Rolex has had an – youngsters aspiring to be golfers, teachers enduring relationship with the Golf or doctors – and this is one of the reasons she Association, the organizer of the U.S. Women’s has been such a natural ¿ t as a Testimonee for Open, dating back to 1980. The brand has gone Rolex. For more than half a century, the Swiss on to become the Of¿ cial Timekeeper for all ¿ ve watchmaker has been a dedicated partner of golf, of the women’s Majors and part of the very fabric committed to the perpetual quest for excellence of the game. Matthew Wolff

34 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature

Lorena Ochoa Jon Rahm Rickie Fowler “The Big Three attracted companies like Rolex to the sport of golf and, as a result, today Rolex is an integral part of the game, and one of golf’s greatest supporters across all levels.”

Annika Sörenstam Justin Thomas Maria Fassi

“Arnold was a great friend and a great mentor to tournaments and hadn’t ¿ nished better than about Melbourne last December, Woods led by his me,” says Nicklaus, who turned 80 in January. 15th. As we walked off the 17th green he put his actions as much as his words. The revival in “Arnold took me under his wing. He didn’t have arm on my shoulder. Arnold was 32 and I was 22 his playing form over the previous couple of to, but he did.” and he said, ‘OK, now you can ¿ nish second here. years was highlighted by a ¿ fth Masters Title at Decades may have passed, yet Nicklaus still Just play this hole smart, keep your composure Augusta National Golf Club earlier in the year, recalls a particular occasion, early during his ¿ rst and you could do well.’ And so I did. I birdied a victory that ensured he would be an essential year on the professional circuit, in February 1962, the hole and ¿ nished second. Arnold won by 12 player on the 12man team, as well as its leader. when Palmer reached out with his trademark shots but it was really nice that he took me under For fellow Testimonee Justin Thomas, a generosity at the Phoenix Open. his wing. I think you’ve got to do that with your seasoned tour professional despite being 18 “Arnold was well ahead and we were playing fellow competitors.” years younger than Woods, it was a dream come together in the last round,” explains Nicklaus, ’s Adam Scott, former World No. 1 true to play on Tiger’s team. whose dedicated pursuit of excellence in golf and a Major Champion at the 2013 Masters, is “If you had told me when I was a junior that I earned him a record haul of 18 Major titles. another Rolex Testimonee with a keen sense of would play on a team with Tiger “By this time I had played ¿ ve [professional] the perpetual values shared by golf and Rolex. Woods as my captain, I probably would have “In golf there is this respect that is passed down fainted,” said Thomas, 27, a Major winner at the through the generations, from the senior guys to 2017 PGA Championship. “It’s surreal… Tiger golfers like me, and it is our duty to pass it on Woods was and still is a serious role model for to the next generation,” says Scott. “I am part of me. I grew up watching him.” a generation that will tell younger players what As Fassi carries the torch from Ochoa, just as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player Nicklaus had carried it from Palmer, so today’s did for the game, essentially making it what it established champions, carry the torch from is today. Woods. Alongside Thomas, this maturing group “The Big Three attracted companies like Rolex includes Brooks Koepka, with four Major titles to the sport of golf and, as a result, today Rolex by the age of 29, and Jordan Spieth, who at 26, is an integral part of the game, and one of golf’s Jack Nicklaus boasts three Major titles. greatest supporters across all levels.” Like Thomas, Koepka and Spieth are part Like Scott, 44-year-old Tiger Woods is a Rolex of the Rolex family of Testimonees, as are Testimonee and just one of generations of players players knocking on the door of Major success, who learned so much from The Big Three. including Rickie Fowler and Jon Rahm. Acclaimed as the ¿ nest player of his generation – with a collection of 15 Major titles to date that ReÀ ecting at the Presidents Cup on these is second only to Nicklaus – Woods reached common bonds, Woods said: “Any time you’re another milestone in his remarkable career in able to do something that is bigger than us as 2019 when he became captain of the United individuals, it’s so much more meaningful and States Presidents Cup team for the ¿ rst time. special.” Spoken like a true leader. Nancy Lopez Playing against an International line-up at Royal

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 35 Ladies On The Link

POPOV PULLS OFF HISTORIC VICTORY AT AIG WOMEN’S OPEN

ermany’s made history with role of at the LPGA Drive On a life-changing two-shot victory at the Championship for best friend Anne G2020 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon, Van Dam and only quali¿ ed for this closing with a magni¿ cent ¿ nal round of 68 championship courtesy of a T9 ¿ nish a (-3) to ¿ nish at seven-under-par and claim the week later. A T2 ¿ nish in Arizona last $675,000 ¿ rst place prize. week on the Symetra Tour gave her Looking unfazed throughout, Popov, who lead some con¿ dence but no one predicted by three-strokes overnight, came into the week this, least of all Popov. ranked 304 on the Rolex Rankings and becomes “Everyone said, how are you playing the ¿ rst German to win a women’s major in Phoenix the week before The Open? championship and the highest ranked player to I said, you know, my focus this year capture the historic championship. was still the Symetra Tour and that was She joins an illustrious list of champions including Georgia Hall, Annika Sorenstam and . Popov said, “It is an incredible story, something I could not dream of a week ago. It is incredible that golf allows these things to happen and as one of 144 players this week, I just happened to to me was a bonus and I got here on Tuesday, have the week of my life. It is probably the best and I said I know my game is in really good golf I have ever played.” more important to me as far as the Money List shape and anything’s possible and I think I took Three weeks ago the 27-year-old could never goes, and I said, I’m going to stick with the that belief with me to every round but I never have dreamt of this moment as she played the schedule that I had. The AIG Women’s Open expected this.”

LEWIS LANDS ASI

merican major winner captured the 2020 Aberdeen Standard AInvestments Ladies Scottish Open with a More Madcap Miscellany from the World of Golf textbook birdie on the ¿ rst hole of a thrilling four-way play-off, after compatriot , overnight leader Azahara Muñoz and Denmark’s tied in regulation at 5-under-par. The victory is the ¿ rst non-major LET win of her career and her 13th worldwide, having last lifted a trophy in 2017. Her ¿ rst win as a mother, Lewis admitted to singing her daughter Chesnee’s favourite song throughout the day, with her very own rendition of Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it off’ proving to be one of her most important thoughts before calmly fortunately I got it started more the whole back nine, I got one to go in and that holing from 24ft for left this time and I got it on the was all I needed.” victory on the ¿ rst play- top shelf.” In a true links battle, the lead changed hands off hole. She continued, “Travis and I had been reading on multiple occasions throughout an exciting “I hit a good approach shot into 18 in regulation putts together all day and I had the line there. It day at the Renaissance Golf Club with as and the shot in the play-off was exactly ten was ¿ ve inches outside left. I knew I needed to many as ¿ ve players leading at some stage yards further, so it was 8-iron, same shot and get it there with enough speed and ¿ nally, after during the round.

36 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature

FAST & FASCINATING FACTS – WEEK 33 MoreMore MadcapMadcap MiscellanyMiscellany fromfrom tthehe WWorldorld ooff GGolfolf By Michael Wilson

California Dreamin’ the end of a remarkable few weeks for the rookie, and all without a single golf fan on 1 - The 102nd USPGA Championship may course cheering him on. have been delayed by a few weeks by the Coronavirus crisis, and not golf-mad Californian - Also an ex US Collegiate star, Morikawa fans were allowed into San Francisco’s Harding became the third youngest player to win a Park, venue for the ¿ rst, ‘Major’ in over a year,’ ‘major’ title, behind Jack Nicklaus and Rory but the battle for the giant Wanamaker Trophy McIlroy, ahead, by just a few weeks of one proved well worth the wait. Tiger Woods, illustrious company indeed. - Local hero, the 23-year-old Los Angeles-born, Prize Guy University of California Berkley-educated 2 - Having turned professional just over Collin Morikawa clinched his ¿ rst-ever ‘major’ a year before his dramatic USPGA win title in only his second appearance in one of at Harding Park, Collin Morikawa has earned golf’s four, ‘’ events, having tied for US$6,856,977 in his rst year in the paid ranks 35th at least year’s US Open at Pebble Beach. ¿ and has gate-crashed the Of¿ cial World Golf - It has been quite a start to the former World US$1.98m for his USPGA Championship Rankings (OWGR), his ¿ rst ‘Major’ win taking #1 Amateur’s professional career; inversely his to #5 in the world. win, US$1,935,000 more than Woods won – to ’s 22 successive missed cuts at US$45,000 – for his joint 37th place in what - A professional for a little more than 12 the start of what was to become a glittering was his 85th ‘Major,’ and his 21st USPGA months, the man from LA now needs to earn career, Morikawa played all four rounds of his Championship. US$113,886,468 in prize money to catch up ¿ rst 22 PGA TOUR events, winning his ¿ rst with his hero, fellow Californian Tiger Woods. tournament title, the Barracuda Championship, Lifting the Lid then the Workaday Open, his USPGA triumph - But he’s on his way; Morikawa banked 3 - Collin Morikawa may have lifted the

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 37 Feature

THE 102ND USPGA CHAMPIONSHIP MAY HAVE BEEN DELAYED BY A FEW WEEKS BY THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS, AND NOT GOLF-MAD CALIFORNIAN FANS WERE ALLOWED INTO SAN FRANCISCO’S HARDING PARK, VENUE FOR THE FIRST, ‘MAJOR’ IN OVER A YEAR,’.

2020 USPGA Championship and the near- US$2m ¿ rst prize in his own back yard at Harding Park, San Francisco and he found himself lifting the lid on golf’s largest trophy, the Wanamaker Trophy when, within seconds of being presented with the giant silver cup he spilled the lid of the venerable trophy which stands 28-inches tall and weighs-in at a hefty 27-pounds, 12.2kg. - But golf’s latest hot property isn’t alone in spilling the sporting spoils; just a few weeks earlier, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped the FA Cup after guiding his side to victory at Wembley. - And, in2006, tennis star Maria Sharapova was so excited at having won the US Open, shaking the trophy vigourously above her head, the lid was dislodged, falling off and hitting the newly crowned women’s singles champion on the head. - But perhaps the worst sports trophy mishap came in 2011 in Madrid, Spain when local team Real Madrid were on an open-top bus tour around the city, parading the priceless Copa del USPGA Championship courtesy of a ¿ nal Morikawa’s Low Blow round 64, clinched the title with a pitch-in Rei, having earlier beaten arch-rivals Barcelona 5 - Despite winning his ¿ rst ‘major’ birdie on the 14th, followed by a stunning 1 – 0 in the ¿ nal. championship at the age of just 23 and eagle on 16 to secure his ¿ rst ‘Major’ title in - But, cavorting with the esteemed trophy, Real at only his second attempt, American Collin what was just his 27th tournament start as a skipper Sergio Ramos dropped the trophy off Morikawa still managed to strike a couple of professional. the front of the bus, 5m to the road below, the low blows to his compatriots and heroes Tiger bus proceeding to run over the coveted cup, - But the ornithological references date back Woods and Tom Watson. almost a century before the young Californian which required extensive – and expensive - The two US gol¿ ng legends, with 25 more was born, all emanating from the term, ‘Birdie,’ – repairs. ‘Majors’ between them that the latest entrant meaning a score of one-stroke under par for a to that elite, exclusive club had previously held  particular hole, such as a three on a Par-4 or a Ornithological the record for the lowest aggregate ¿ nal two 4 four on a Par-5. Origins rounds in any ‘Major’ championship, 130 shots - 23-year-old American Collin Morikawa - The earliest use of the term dates back to a over the ¿ nal 36 holes. clinched his epic win in the rescheduled 2020 1911 edition of US Maclean Magazine, which - But, with a 65 and a 64 in his ¿ nal two described a particularly ¿ ne 215-yard shot as, rounds of his USPGA Championship victory at “A bird, straight down the course; this was Harding Park in California, Morikawa set the subsequently traced back and attributed to an lowest closing 36-hole score (129) in golf’s American player, AB Smith wo recounted an ‘Majors’ history, knocking two of the ¿ nest incident at Atlantic City Golf Club in 1903, exponents of the game of golf off at least one of when he struck such a ¿ ne shot – a ‘Bird’ of a their lofty perches. shot -that the term stuck, changed through the years to become a, ‘Birdie,’ now universally The Bogey Man known throughout golf worldwide. 6 - Despite a ¿ nal round without a blemish - All other bird-related terms used in golf, on his scorecard, eventual winner of the including, ‘Eagle’ and ‘Albatross’ are 2020 USPGA Championship Collin Morikawa derivations of the early-20th century ‘Birdie,’ did contrive to go over par on each of his three the rarer and more exotic the bird, the rarer and earlier rounds, his sensational Saturday 65 more exotic the score. achieved despite back-to-back ‘Bogey’s’ at the

38 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature

through the 20th century, the term ‘Bogey’ year’s Wanamaker Trophy considers himself all- found itself adapted and adopted to mean one American rather than the mix of Asian stock he shot over par of any particular hole, a ‘Double- was born into. bogey’ or Triple-bogey, one or two shots worse - Collin Morikawa is the elder son of Blaine and off. Debbie Morikawa, of both Japanese and Chinese Collin All the Shots heritage, born in Los Angeles, California on 6th 7 February 1997 and, having spent considerable - Remarkably, when Collin Morikawa vacation time with his paternal grandparents in won the 2020 USPGA Championship at Maui, Hawaii, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Harding park in his native California, he became Business Administration at the University of the ¿ rst-ever golfer with the Christian name California, Berkeley. Collin or Colin to win one of golf’s four ‘Major’ - But his Asian credentials are strengthened championships, a ¿ rst in 454 combined staging’s by his long-term relationship with Chinese 12th and 13th holes, a hammer blow that might of the quarter of events comprising the Grand girlfriend, Katherine Zhu, herself a top-class have sunk the prospects of a lesser man. Slam. US Collegiate golfer; should the pair ever get - Indeed, the 23-year-old looked an unlikely - One other ‘Colin’ stands out as the, ‘Nearly around to having children, then the odds on their winner after Thursday’s opening round or even man,’ Scotland’s irascible Colin Montgomerie progeny winning a men’s or women’s ‘Major’ the halfway point on Friday evening, two and contrived to ¿ nish runner-up in for ‘Majors,’ the must be considered quite low. three ‘Bogey’s respectively consigning the US Open (twice, in1997 and 2006), the Open Californian to 33rd and 25th place at the end of Championship, behind only Tiger Woods at St. USPGAgain & Again each day’s play. Andrews in 2005 and, most notable, at the 1995 9 - 2020 USPGA Championship winner - That added-up to seven ‘Bogey’s in total USPGA Championship at Riviera Country Club Collin Morikawa set several records by during Morikawa’s audacious march to the when he had one hand on the Wanamaker Trophy winning the rescheduled season’s ¿ rst, ‘Major’ - Montgomerie had birdied the ¿ nal three holes most notably taking the title on debut, winning of the Riviera Country in the ¿ nal round, to one of the four Grand Slam events at only his tie Australian Steve Elkington on 17-under- second time of asking and, at just 23-years-old, par - then a record low score in a ‘Major’ equaling the record as the youngest winner of championship - but on the ¿ rst sudden-death the Wanamaker Trophy. playoff hole, after being in far better position - The Californian joins an illustrious group after two shots, Montgomerie missed his short including Rory McIlroy, Tiger and Jack putt, Elkington holed from 35 feet to claim the Nicklaus, all players to have won the PGA title leaving the Scot with the most unwanted Championship at 23-years-old and also becomes moniker in professional golf, ‘The best player the fastest player to win a ‘Major’ after turning NEVER to win a ‘Major,’ which he holds to this pro since Woods won the 1997 Masters. day. - But the new world #5 has some way to go before breaking the USPGA record for the Mostly American, total number of times a player has lifted the USPGA Championship – his third professional 8 Part Asian, 100% giant Wanamaker Trophy aloft; Jack Nicklaus victory in just over remarkable ¿ rst year on Champion holds the record with ¿ ve USPGA titles in total, Tour – but where does that most unwelcome of - Although much of Asia may have been claiming alongside Walter Hagen, probably shades it with terms in golf, ‘Bogey,’ originate from? victory in the 2020 USPGA Championship – four the most consecutive victories, in 1924, - According to Robert Browning’s authoritative 11-years-on from Korean YE Yang broke the 1925, 1926 and 1927, back in the day when published in 1955, the term continent’s ‘Majors’ duck when he outplayed a what had traditionally been the season’s ¿ nal dates back to 1890 when an English golf club seemingly invincible Tiger Woods for the same ‘Major’ was a format, changing to was attempting to standardize the number of title at Hazeltine National – the winner of this stroke play in 1958. shots an, ‘Average’ golfer would be expected to take at any particular hole, and to coin a word to describe anything above that ‘Par’ score. - The Secretary of that English golf club, a Dr. Browne was testing his new-fangled system in a match against another club when he exclaimed to his opponent, a Major Charles Wellman,‘That player of yours is a regular bogey man,’ thought to be a reference to the chorus of a popular Edwardian vaudeville song, ‘Hush, hush, here comes the bogey man,’ a reference to an ancient mythological Scottish ogre who, it is said, brought nothing but trouble. - For 50-years, a, ‘Bogey man’ was a golfer in search of a standard ‘Par,’ score until midway

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 39 Snippet

FALDO SERIES BECOMES LATEST SIGNATORY OF THE R&A’S WOMEN IN GOLF CHARTER Sir Nick Faldo’s global junior Series continues to demonstrate its commitment to help increase participation of girls in golf.

he Faldo Series has marked its continued Tcommitment to growing junior golf for both girls and boys around the world by becoming the latest signatory of The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter. Playing a crucial part in safeguarding the future of the game, Sir Nick Faldo has shown the Series’ commitment to growing participation in the game by signing his global junior tournament up to the Charter and supporting girls in golf around the world. The Series’ recent return continues to show the growing Sir Nick Faldo celebrates with the winning girls strength of girls golf, with record-breaking from the 23rd Faldo Series Europe Grand Final numbers creating great optimism going forward, including a new milestone as 93 girls “With record-breaking numbers for girls of junior girls participating in its events around compete in the Wales Championship, between participating in the Series, it really does show the world. We have worked closely with Sir the Vale Resort and Cottrell Park this week – the promise for the women’s game and we’re Nick for many years now to support his aims the largest junior girls ¿ eld both the Series and excited to continue to support the opportunities of growing junior golf for boys and girls and Wales havever hosted. for girls in the sport with The R&A and fellow are grateful for his commitment to the Women Women in Golf Charter partners.” in Golf Charter.” Sir Nick Faldo said: “The Women in Golf Charter ties in perfectly with what I created the Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The Numerous other af¿ liates and partners, Faldo Series for – inspiring an industry-wide R&A, said: “We are very supportive of including the European Tour and the commitment for developing a more inclusive initiatives that will provide more opportunities Professional Golfers’ Association, have also culture within golf, enabling more juniors, in for more women and girls to enjoy playing pledged their support and commitment to the this case girls, to À ourish, enjoy and maximise golf, so we are pleased that the Faldo Series is Charter, ensuring the game of golf continues to their potential at all levels of the game. actively looking at ways to increase the number thrive in the years to come. PRESIDENTS CUP TO RETURN TO THE ROYAL MONTREAL GOLF CLUB IN 2024 GA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan bid committee. „Our club has experienced of the golf and business communities and announced that the Presidents Cup leadership and great members, and our goal from various levels of government and with Pwill return to The Royal Montreal Golf is to make the 2024 Presidents Cup the best the help of Tourisme Montreal, we are Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, when ever. With widespread support from leaders confident we will succeed.‰ the Presidents Cup shifts internationally in 2024. As host of the 2007 Presidents Cup, The Royal Montreal Golf Club will become the second international venue to host the Presidents Cup more than once, joining The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. „We are excited and more than pleased that we have been selected to host the Presidents Cup again, and we are thrilled that we will be welcoming the worldÊs best golfers to our club in 2024,‰ said Michael Richards, Chair of The Royal Montreal Golf ClubÊs Royal Montreal Golf Club

40 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Snippet

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE 2020 A GOLFER... MASTERS TOURNAMENT

Walking down the fairways He feels the calmness Opens up his heart and mind Stretches and looks here and there And retrieves his self

That green walker Comes back to his little world everyday Loves the valley that he lives in

red Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Staring at the groves and trees Golf Club, announced that the 2020 Masters He searches for the butterflies and birds FTournament will take place November 9-15 without patrons or guests on the grounds. Listens to their music for a while “Since our initial announcement to postpone the Can smell the grass and the ground 2020 Masters, we have remained committed to The fragrances of the flowers a rescheduled Tournament in November while And can lose himself in the serenity continually examining how best to host a global sporting event amid this pandemic,” said Ridley. That man with strength in mind and calmness in character “As we have considered the issues facing us, the Chases a tiny ball passionately health and safety of everyone associated with the Goal after goal with utmost zeal Masters always Believes that his best shot is yet to come has been our ¿ rst and most important priority. “Throughout He keeps moving forward this process, we have Keeps on testing his nerves consulted with health of¿ cials and a variety He has clarity of mind of subject matter Creativity in approach experts. Ultimately, Sometimes tries something new we determined Although little success that the potential Never repents, feels no sorry risks of welcoming As he learns from his failure patrons and guests to our grounds in November are simply Defeating the hazards is a tough job too signi¿ cant to But more important for him is conquering the fear within overcome. “Even in the current circumstances, Winning the hearts of his fellow players staging the Masters without patrons is deeply Always cheers them up, making them easy disappointing. The guests who come to Augusta each spring from around the world are a key Golf gives him life lessons component to making the Tournament so special. Admits humbly the twist and turns of life Augusta National has the responsibility, however, Golf is not just a sport he believes to understand and accept the challenges associated It’s a lifelong journey for him. with this virus and take the necessary precautions to conduct all aspects of the Tournament in a safe manner. We look forward to the day when we can By Sandeep Sankar Regan welcome all of our patrons back, hopefully in April Gymkhana Golf Club, Jorhat, Assam 2021. “We appreciate the support and patience of all those we serve – including the Augusta community, our corporate and broadcast partners and our friends in golf – as we continue to plan for this historic event.”

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 41 Feature

WORLD-RENOWNED ARTIST GARY PATTERSON CAPTURES THE HUMOR OF GOLF By Randy O. Williams How do you retire from your work if you are one of golf’s most recognizable artistes and your studio overlooks the ocean where, as a form of relaxation and inspiration, you hone your swing by happily hitting balls from the beach into one huge water hazard?

Encouraged by his family to formally pursue his artistic ability, Patterson attended UCLA and the Art Center College of Design for a short time, but soon ran out of money and went out on his own - learning by his own mistakes. “Murals, signs, yes I’ve done all kinds of artwork. Painting numbers on curbs to try and make money. Yeah that worked. I got a bad sunburn and spilled paint all down the road.” the affable artist recalled with a laugh. “It is really rough being a freelance artist. While before I’d be jealous of those that made it, now I just admire them.” For Patterson, the pattern of converging golf and art was set at an early age. “I learned about golf living over the Knollwood Golf Club in Granada Hills. The thing was I could see golfers teeing off below me, but they could not see me. Some throwing equipment into the water hazard then they’d try to retrieve it, others angrily tossing clubs after taking multiple shots to get out of the sand traps. I saw it all,” Patterson recalled. “I had a great span to view and it was over a period of years, so it built a lot of memories mostly about the emotions this hard game draws out in players. In my youth, I’d often go down onto the course in the evening and practice with my dad or buddies. I’d leave a few divots here and there. We’d retrieve a ton of balls. I have never had to buy a single golf ball in ten years back then. As far as my own experience I am a hacker, straight on. I have experienced the many

Water Hazard different emotions as well.” Besides learning the sport from his father, it was also from his dad that he developed his artistic ell, the answer is you don’t. his ocean-front place in Malibu. talents. Gary Patterson, 74 and a self- Still at it day-in and day-out, the native “My dad was a ¿ reman and also a really good Wadmitted lifelong “hacker”, chose Californian is very appreciative of his artist so I learned from him. I’d stand by the to pursue his passion because “it made people achievements because before his golf creations drawing board and observe him. It would just the smile”, and has been doing a lot of smiling rocketed him to success, especially in the 1980s same if someone was interested in music (where) himself knowing how lucky he is to “toil” at his and 90s, like many artists, he struggled for a long they’d really bene¿ t from someone who had a passion for the past thirty-something years out of time. piano or guitar that played at home.”

42 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature

“I soon had my own art materials,” Patterson explains. “He was a cartoonist. They were published in the all the ¿ remen Grapevine Magazines. LAFD. So I grew up in that environment where my artist dad helped me>” Though he’s enjoyed a lot of success creating art covering other sports, animals, of¿ ce politics and assorted everyday life themes, the core of Patterson’s work has been golf which is recognized all over the world mostly because people that play the game can relate to the themes presented and those that don’t can certainly laugh at the easily universally-recognized topics. “Golf is really an important sport, so I put that into my program.” One of the artist’s secrets is that he is very hands on and detailed in his research. As part of playing a round of golf, he’ll seek out groundskeepers, agronomists, course designers, , fellow everyday hackers and club pros among many Birdie Putt Sand Trapped others to get their perspectives. “The internet sure helps out, but it is really Though his artist father is his biggest creative not. And Patterson is pretty clear about what he about getting out on the golf course and seeing inÀ uence, Patterson counts several others having hopes people get from his artwork. nuances,” Patterson said. “When I work, I am an impact on his creativity. trying to laugh with golf not at golf. It is a tough “Identi¿ cation. If I draw something and they go sport. But is also one of passion and I get letters “My dad is ¿ rst, but the Old Masters are “I get that’. Maybe they experienced personally all the time from club pros to weekend hackers. great and I do like Rockwell,” Patterson said. or know someone that did so they associate with So I owe a lot to people all over who have “Charles Schulz, the Peanuts creator, and I have the art,” Patterson said. provided input to my work.” exchanged original artwork.” “It is a big feature that it may have happened to The sport is a great match for his exaggerated These days, in between teeing off from his them, but they may never admit to it and have a art style, but it is also one that Patterson relates oceanfront studio into the water and watching quiet chuckle to themselves that, ‘yes, that was to with fellow golfers because there are shared the sport on television, Patterson remains active me’. And one of his golf buddies may buy it and experiences both on and off the course. combining his two passions. give it to him because he knows. And they share a laugh because of it.” “One of the universal components of the sport is “I have about ¿ ve projects going at the moment,” frustration. When I was going through a divorce, the artist beams with excitement. “Golf is still And being able to share a laugh in such a tough rather than party around and make a fool of important to me and my specialty being humor sport is certainly something all of us golfers can relate to. myself, I decided I was going to do artwork I really continues to draw me in to the sport all just didn’t know exactly what. I’ve done animals these years later. The game is so challenging that “I have found that humor is one of the most which I love and a lot of different sports too, you have to have a sense of humor.” challenging of the arts,” the artist stated, “but but I decided on golf. I spent a lot of time on a One of the keys to his success is that the artist certainly among the most rewarding.” speci¿ c piece I called it out of bounds but I have covers topics that most fellow golfers have The same could be said for the feeling that comes never tried to sell it and hangs in my studio.” experienced, whether they want to admit to it or after stroking a solid 5-iron shot in the ocean.

“My dad was a fi reman and also a really good artist so I learned from him. I’d stand by the drawing board and observe him.”

Only A Game Dedication (BT)

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 43 Feature COUNT YOGI THE GREATEST GOLFER OF by Wg Cdr Arun Kumar Singh (Retd) (PROBABLE) INDIAN ORIGIN President, GCS&MAI

or a country which is starved of having its own champions in sports, any success by persons of Indian origin brings about sense of joy among its people. It’s not uncommon to see the It was here media picking up the threads of that famous such successes to be able to write songwriter some good stories. In recent times, the rise of Akshay Bhatia to become the top ranked Junior Hoagy in the world and best WAGR of 4, was keenly Carmichael followed in the Indian media. Similarly the named Harry story of Sahit Theegala ¿ nishing the year as the NCAA’s top ranked golfer was also celebrated. Frankenberg Both the boys were born and brought up in the as ‘Count Yogi’ USA and hadn’t bene¿ tted from the Indian because of system but it did not stop the system from taking credit. Fortunately, some of the usual his combining sunshine seekers haven’t called them ‘our eastern prodigy’. mysticism in , the Fijian golfer, has clear lineage from India. It was in 1879 that his his teaching forefathers were shipped to Fiji to work on methods. The the sugarcane plantations. His parents Mohan name then got Singh and Parvati were of Indian descent who practiced lot of Indian customs. Obviously, stuck and he Vijay Singh as the winner of 3 Major was always Championship, 31 wins on PGA Tour, claiming known thus the No 1 ranking after overtaking Tiger Woods in his prime and an inductee in World Hall of from then on. Fame, was the prime candidate for being the Count Yogi best golfer of Indian origin. The Indian media surprisingly did not rush to claim him as the They were able to get equal opportunities of a violent and alcoholic father. He ran away Indian hero. It was so probably because Vijay unlike the prejudiced mid 20th century USA from his home in his father’s small farm near Singh steadfastly called himself a Fijian or which consumed the ‘Greatest’ Cassius Clay/ Chicago at the age of 8 to be in the mean streets may also have been because of our fascination Muhammad Ali and may have been responsible of Chicago in the days of Al Capone. The boy with Indian Americans. The immigration of for the best golfer with a possible Indian was known as ‘Blackie’ due to his jet black hair Indians in the USA is of recent vintage and connection – someone who people thought is believed to have been inherited from his Indian has connections with extended family in India the best player whom the world hasn’t seen, to ethnicity! which makes it easier to identify with them as have escaped our attention. What saved ‘Blackie’ was his ability to play our own. Of course, the Indian emigration to The person with the given name of Harry golf which he had discovered at the age of 6 Fiji was as indentured labor from marginalized Xavier Von Frankenberg had a mysterious while looking at people playing the game at a communities and the social prejudice may have life and very little is known about him. It’s club across the fence from his father’s farm. He contributed to loss of connection. certain that his father was of Bavarian descent had learnt to strike a ball by picking up a stick The two boys (Bhatia and Theegala) were and mother was probably an Indian. He was and imitating the swings of members playing born in the USA of 21st century to immigrant probably born in India (to an Indian mother) on the other side of the fence. Despite having Indian parents and have been fortunate to or as some say in Montana, USA to a native learnt the game by swinging a stick at balls escape growing up in a less inclusive and American mother. What is certain though is made from mud and corncobs, the boy was less prosperous environment of that country. that he had an abusive childhood at the hands shooting consistently in the 60s by the age 12

44 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature and became a professional at the age of 14. The events in the state. Administrators everywhere young boy was to soon become a champion are often prone to consolidating power rather in the Chicago area where he won numerous than grow the game and PGA was no different. tournaments and set many course records. He Interestingly, Professionals are not allowed to soon had the support and admiration of some hold of¿ ce in the Indian body till today despite of the best players of his time – Hogan, Nelson, they comprising the teams to represent the Snead and Palmer included. country in Asian and Olympic games. Harry Frankenberg was insanely talented and At the peak of his playing process, Harry in true Indian tradition, he credited it to divine moved to California and became a caddy in Los intervention with a voice from having given Angeles to feed himself. He was a quick learner Vijay Singh him the knowledge and understanding of a golf and despite having missed going to school, he swing! The man could break 70 playing either learnt skills and languages through imitation. but to do road shows as a trick artist and give right or left handed, he shot scores in 50s in He soon became a teaching professional at Bob lessons by following his own methods. He was open competitions, is known to have played 7 Hope’s in Hollywood and his renowned for keeping his lessons short with rounds of 18 holes in a single day with each famegrew. He soon had celebrities like Dean most ¿ nishing in less than 15 minutes. He score being in 60s and is reputed to have once Martin, Howard Hughes, John F Kennedy and believed that quest for power was ruining golf played a round over 18 holesin 57 minutes Dwight Eisenhower as his students. It was here and afÀ icting golfers with injuries. His mantra while shooting a score of 69! It would be logical that famous songwriter Hoagy Carmichael was ‘to be relaxed and be graceful’ while for everyone to expect him to have been a great named Harry Frankenberg as ‘Count Yogi’ playing this game so that you ¿ nd peace and champion but it was not to be so as America of because of his combining eastern mysticism in happiness. He always believed that golf was a 1950s. Golf then was not an inclusive game and his teaching methods. The name then got stuck wonderful but mistreated game. His words ring people of colour were discriminated against. and he was always known thus from then on. true to this day. “Blackie’ was shunned by the PGA of America The woes of Count Yogi were far from over. The life of Count Yogi was mysterious because of his ethnic Indian looks and never His familiarity with some rich and powerful and complicated. We will never know with got a chance to display his skills on the larger personalities and admiration from his great certainty about his probable Indian origins. stage. Interestingly, Section 1 of Article 3 of the peers was not enough to ride over the walls of His life though is a textbook example of the bylaws of PGA of America then stated – ‘’Any discrimination. He had grown up in poverty, discrimination faced by people of indigenous professional golfer of Caucasian race over 18 was unconventional and unapologetic,and origins in sports and particularly in golf. Rules years of age and residing in North or South hadthe colored ethnic looks of an Indian (or of membership of golf clubs in colonial India America is eligible to become a member’’. Native American) which loaded the dice also permitted only persons of Caucasian In the modern history of golf, administrators against him. The worst insult was yet to come origins to become members. The policy of everywhere have often behaved as being much - Count Yogi entered the prestigious Western exclusion as part of India’s golf history is a bigger than players. The clause of Caucasian Open in 1950 and led the ¿ eld in quali¿ ers legacy which we inherited and then replaced origins remained a part of the bylaws of PGA after shooting a course record 66 which was it with our own version.Golf originated as for many years despite high pro¿ le entry of Joe two strokes better than the eventual winner an inclusive game but the colonists injected Louis, the legendary boxer, in a PGA event Sam Snead. PGA came to know about his policies of denial and exclusion and poisoned through the sponsors. African American players participation and promptly forbade him to the culture. Such a culture denied the world of like Charlie Sifford (inducted into Hall of Fame participate in the tournament. Count Yogi could the privilege of watching a prodigious talent in 1992) had to endure denial, humiliation and not get the legitimacy which he so craved and like Harry Franckenberg dominate the game racial taunts despite getting a card after the so richly deserved. and perhaps destroyed a few more. PGA’s rules were relaxed. The administrators did Count Yogi was emphatic that his method policy of racism probably denied some of not remove the racial clause willingly and of teaching was far superior to the traditional our people from rejoicing in the exploits of were eventually forced to remove it in 1961 methods teaching promoted by the PGA. an exceptional golfer with probable Indian only when the state attorney of California It riled up the PGA even more and the great lineage. Who knows? Our media may have threatened to ban PGA from holding any golfer and teacher was left with no other option adopted him as one of our own!

Akshay Bhatia

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 45 As of 2019 Feature according to an analysis there were 316 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of global lithium cell manufacturing capacity. ELECTRIC MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT By a Passionate Greenkeeper Lithium-ion battery or Lead acid battery

Lithium batteries used for third largest global producer of cobalt and pandemic has brought into stark focus the the fourth largest global producer of nickel. over-dependence of global supply chains on the EV machines have their As of 2019 According to an analysis there China. Nations around the world are now own characteristics. For a were 316 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of global more desperate than ever for alternatives, lithium cell manufacturing capacity. China but itÊs a tough ask to replace Chinese layman one must know the is home to 73% of this capacity, followed supplies. One of the areas where China diff erence between the two by the U.S., far behind in second place dominates the world is in the production with 12% of global capacity. China has a of lithium-ion batteries which power our i.e. The Lead acid batteries major advantage of cheap labor, which has smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles. and the Lithium batteries. allowed it to dominate many manufacturing It has invested heavily in mining lithium industries. But China also has more and rare earth minerals that go into these lithium reserves and much greater lithium batteries·both within its own country as production than the U.S. In 2018, Chinese well as mines in Latin America, Africa and atteries are strange devices. lithium production was 8,000 metric tons, Australia. It manufactures nearly two-thirds Nobody wants them, but third among all countries and nearly ten of the worldÊs lithium-ion batteries, the everybody needs them. They times U.S. lithium production. Chinese dependence on China for lithium affects the are bought only when required. lithium reserves in 2018 were one million electric vehicle ecosystem even more than HowB many people plan a trip to the local metric tons, nearly 30 times U.S. levels. other sector. ThatÊs because 40% of the market? How do lead acid batteries work, cost of an electric vehicle is attributed to its what is the difference between the types As for alternatives to lithium, startups are battery. and the models, what is the life and cost experimenting with materials that are more of replacement of a lead acid battery or a readily available. An Indian startup, backed With the kind of turmoil India is facing with Lithium battery? by Mumbai Angels, is experimenting with China it is indeed food for thought about a composite material using derivatives of procurements of this kind of battery and The perception is that the lead acid batteries abundantly available carbon. The coronavirus technology especially for Golf machinery. are old technology and the Lithium batteries are modern, cleaner and they have 3 or 4 times the energy. Even when stored or transported lithium-ion batteries have been ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES the cause of dangerous fires. Lithium-ion batteries seem to be all the rage. That is High Density: Lithium batteries Infl ammable: They can catch fi re easily. mostly because of the varied places that the battery can be deployed. From a small can last longer charges all the Hence they need signifi cant protection smartphone battery to large sophisticated while maintaining a high current. that they don’t burst into fl ames. batteries used in electric automobiles, lithium-ion batteries have found a lot of takers. But, what is it that makes these type Low Self Discharge: When kept Cost: They are more expensive to buy of batteries so versatile and efficient? The idle, the rate of self discharge is than their counterparts. advantages and the disadvantages are as extremely low. under: Most of the known lithium supply is in Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Australia and Low Maintenance: Very low Developing Technology: Since it is China. In 2019, meanwhile, Western maintenance is required. Ni-Cd still at nascent stage there maybe Australia has become the number one batteries have huge cost of ownership considerably changes to the technology. global producer of lithium, the second and maintenance. largest global producer of rare earths, the

46 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Feature

FROM MY DIARY… SEPTEMBER 2020 By Brandon de Souza

We all get just a little jaded at times What are the odds of you achieving something never watching top pros win regularly on tour done before? Well, there is always a first time for and how it doesnÊt seem to change things everything even though no one has given you a chance for them. But to see a win and a week change someoneÊs life so enthusiastically nor is there any precedent. just got my juices flowing as a sports fan. Must have been a great learning curve for eroes emerge from the deepest, an extent it left you wondering what on our girls, Aditi, Diksha & especially Tvesa, to darkest places somewhere you do earth sheÊs been doing with her career to combat winds up to 45 miles per hour on Hnot expect them to come from. this point. the opening day. I know for a fact Tvesa is richer for the experience even though she If you caught the AIG WomenÊs Open Popov went through the full spectrum of didnÊt make the weekend - missing out on action, youÊd have instantly guessed who golf this season - from missing a putt for a chance with a killer double on the par I had in mind while framing up those the full LPGA status to winning a major as five 16th. sentences. We should be truly grateful for your first professional win on a big tour. In Sophia PopovÊs win and her incredible story between, she even turned up as a caddy at That particular week, someoneÊs exploits for it makes us believe the oft-repeated an LPGA event. we have all seen and know of, Dustin adage, chase your dreams and they will Johnson was on a trip of his own. He took come true. us through some outstanding wire-to-wire golf that made tremendous viewing. A 27 Popov battled Lyme disease and almost We should be truly grateful on a nine to go with 60 and a 30 under quit playing last year. Coming into the for Sophia Popov’s win and par finish is what a perfect week of golf week, was ranked outside the worldÊs top her incredible story for it would look like. 300 with no victories on any of the major makes us believe the oft- professional tours at 27. Those were the Quite often shortcomings and sobering facts and, over four glorious days, repeated adage, chase your disappointment accompany DJ case in Popov made a mockery of them to such dreams and they will come point being the PGA Championship but so do weeks like these where he simply makes true. the game look so easy and bulldozes a field full of world class players. Spare a thought for Harris English would be there or thereabouts most weeks with the week he had but finished runner up 11 shots back! It seemed everyone else was playing their own event. Johnson is somewhere in Tiger territory with a fifth winnerÊs cheque of at least five shots since the beginning of 2017. But with Tiger, top-gear brilliance and brutal consistency went hand in hand. With Johnson, you never know what exactly youÊre in for.

Brandon de Souza is the President of Golf Industry Association. He is the Chairman & Managing Director of Tiger Sports Marketing & Brandon de Souza Management Services. He advises brands on using golf as a platform.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 47 INTERVIEW The Mental Game

The great Bobby Jones once famously The famous quote by Jack Nicklaus “Golf is 80% said: “Golf is played mainly on a fi ve- mental, 10% ability, 10% luck” and-a-half-inch course… the space accurately comprehends the importance of the psychological aspect in the game of golf. Ridhima Dilawari between your ears.” Golf is undoubtedly Professional Golfer on the , one of the most mentally challenging :HWHQGWRKHDUWKHWHUP³PHQWDOO\WRXJK´DORW Chinese LPGA and the WGAI. Previously ranked Number #1 Junior and Amateur in India. sports there is. It is a sport in which LQFRQWH[WZLWKDWKOHWHVZKDWH[DFWO\GRHVWKDW one’s decisions, thoughts, images, WHUPPHDQLQUHODWLRQWRJROI" 1DQDNL Sport is an extremely competitive more than often results in focusing on their previous and feelings set up each swing and showground and can be physically, emotionally and mistakes (e.g., poor shots) or worrying about their considerably aff ect outcomes. psychologically challenging for an athlete. There is next shot, rather than staying in the present. Also, constant pressure on athletes to perform and excel in many golfers engage in negative and self-defeating their respective sports. For instance, within golf, the t is an individual pursuit and there is nobody thought patterns, thus experiencing excessive stress ¿ nal putt on the 18th green to win a championship Ito help you on the fairways if, and when, and anxiety that affects their performance. things start to turn sour. If self-belief goes and places immense pressure on the golfer. negative, irrational thoughts begin to dominate, the Some players are able to handle the pressure and &DQ\RXVXJJHVWDXVHIXOSV\FKRORJLFDOVWUDWHJ\ round can quite easily take a turn for the worse. rise to the challenge whereas some tend to crumble WKDWFDQKHOSJROIHUVGHDOZLWKVWUHVVDQG Every golfer has felt the effect of their mind on the under the situations. A golfer who copes with the DQ[LHW\RQWKHJROIFRXUVH" course- be it a budding junior, a professional golfer challenges of internal as well as external demands 1DQDNLThere are many psychological strategies or even a club golfer playing in their weekend four and triumphs under such challenging conditions is that athletes can implement to manage their stress ball. Having played the sport competitively for the often tagged as being “mentally tough”. and anxiety on the golf course. However, one past 12 years and professionally for close to two psychological strategy that can deem useful for years now, I have felt the effects of my thoughts and golfers is “control the controllable” feelingsmore times than I can count. For instance, During a golf competition, many athletes might whilstgetting ready to tee off on the ¿ rst hole, on ¿ nd themselves experiencing immense stress and a nerve wracking ¿ nal putt to close out an event anxiety by focusing on things that are not directly in and even when faced with a shot outside of my their control (e.g., focusing on opponents score, the comfort zone.Having encountered innumeroussuch weather, course conditions, slow play, spectators situations over time, I have realized that a sound and referees’ decision etc.). Thus, investing a great mental game is the biggest competitive edge in golf deal of their energy on aspects they have no control and therefore the biggest differentiator between the over. good and the great. The mental game of golf is a It is essential to encourage golfers to divert their huge factor in any golfer reaching their potential. attention on aspects of performance that they can It’s all very well having good technical skills, but control (e.g., focusing on their pre-performance if you are not able to access them under pressure, routines, decision-making process, selection of the favorable results are hard to come by. However, the shot and golf club etc.). good thing about the mental game of golf is that it By focusing on these aspects provide a sense of can be learned and improved just like one works on control and reduces stress and anxiety on the golf the technical aspects of the sport. Within sport psychology, mental toughness is a course. common term that is used when referring to a To shed more light on various aspects of the mental +RZGRHVSHUIRUPLQJSV\FKRORJLFDOVWUDWHJLHV collection of psychological factors that appear to game, I decided to reach out to one of my friends LQSUDFWLFHWUDQVODWHWRDQGKHOSLQFRPSHWLWLYH distinguish between good and great athletes. who is an expert on the topic. I picked her brain JROISOD\" Furthermore, golf legend Gary Player said, “a about some of the questions I often get asked by 1DQDNLIn training, golfers continuously work on junior golfers and members at the golf club. I hope strong mind is one of the key components that their technical and tactical components of the game. you all can take away a thing or two from our separates the great from the good.” Similarly, it is essential for them to incorporate the conversation, just like I did.

48 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 OFREAFFIRMATION THE POWER OF

THE MIND By Digraj Singh

in 1985 and I had actually gone for it and We have all experienced the power of the mind. Most golfers birdied it. And I hit an identical shot and have also read enough about this topic, but interestingly, birdied it. It was quite uncanny. I realised that while I know about it, I can get careless and I have seen this with kids. While conducting a unique golf activity recently at the Delhi pay a , or I can recall and benefit from it. Golf Club to honour India’s brave Covid Warriors, I was on the course and came across two groups of juniors. I caught up with the ¿ rst group on the fairway of the 6th hole and it included Shubham Jaglan, one of the biggest talents we have in India. On the narrow 401 yards 6th hole, he had hit a driver and had a short to the green. The simplicity with which he birdied the hole was beautiful and made me reÀ ect and compare with how I normally played it. He had been bold off the tee and had converted a perceptionally tough hole into a simple 3 shotter. And further back on the tee I came across this delightful pair of kids, playing with a mother and daughter duo. When I reached the tee, both these boys were on their knees trying to get a ball out from the bush lining up the tee while the ladies looked From left to right - Armin Paul Singh, Vedant Banerjee, Ninou Kipgen and Suruchi Kipgen on bemusedly. And they were having fun. 11 yrs old Vedant Banerjee and 10 years old can get careless and pay a penalty, Armin Paul Singh are both 9 handicappers or I can recall and bene t from I remarked to my playing partner ¿ and at one point, they were practically lying it. This is just a reminder for that it was the same pin position on the tee, trying to get the ball out. Once everyone, stay alert and bene t. ¿ during the last round of the they succeeded, they both nonchalantly Let me try and qualify what I’m National Games in 1985 and I had hit beautiful drives down the tight fairway. stating. As soon as the courses actually gone for it and birdied There was no baggage of concern about the opened up in Delhi, I managed to get a few it. And I hit an identical shot and bushes, nothing. They just stood, actually rounds in at the Delhi Golf Course. And followed a disciplined pre shot routine and I happened to do both, play my best round birdied it. It was quite uncanny. then hit beautiful drives down the middle. in the last few years and also play my worst And enjoyed watching the results. I just round too. No change in ¿ tness, swing, loved their attitude which can be described because I consciously tried to think positive ability. Just the mind. I realised that my worst in a modern term, swag. What stood out was outcomes, even though my swing was not round was just because of poor thinking, their positivity and simplicity in approach. making mental excuses and justi¿ cations really supporting any level of consistency. As we get back to regular gol¿ ng, I though I for playing badly. And on every tee shot, I The icing on the cake was a birdie on the should write this article as a quick reminder was trying to avoid hitting a bush. I wasn’t 17th hole at DGC, a par 3 with the pin cut for all of us. Force yourself to visualise thinking of hitting a spot on the fairway. on the top right hand corner of the green, good outcomes, even though you may not Nearly all the putts were executed with a dif¿ cult pin position by any standards. be playing well. And the probability of equally muddled thinking. And my score and While I normally don’t speak like this on the good shots increases dramatically. Make the sense of embarrassment I experienced course, but just because I was making such your mind your biggest asset and enjoy the were the outcomes of the poor thinking. a conscious effort, I remarked to my playing partner that it was the same pin position bene¿ ts of it. And then the good round happened. And just during the last round of the National Games Happy Gol¿ ng

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 49 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 49 Club News A UNIQUE GOLFING ACTIVITY TO HONOUR INDIA’S COVID WARRIORS CONDUCTED BY THE DELHI GOLF CLUB RECEIVES TREMENDOUS RESPONSE

he Delhi Golf Club promoted and with 29 pts while 14 yrs old Savdeep Kadian hosted a unique golf activity to honour was the best junior in the category above 11 and TIndia’s Covid Warriors in association under 15 yrs of age. with Mawana Sugars and Sanitize 99.9% from The Super Seniors also saw some exceptional the house of Radico Khaitan. The 2 days golf performances with PK Bapna winning with a activity played on the 21st and 22nd of Aug score of 25 pts in the age category Below 85 was hosted with an objective to honour the and above 70 years, while LL Malhotra with a valour and yeomen service to the nation by score of 21 ptswas the winner in the category COVID Warriors during the pandemic. 30 above 85 years of age. Covid Warriors were honoured with medals Day 2 also saw some exceptional golf when around their necks while playing their rounds former professional golfer Vivek Bhandari (-1) and there were a few emotional moments on the turned back the clock to shoot a 2 under 70 coursebecause while these brave warriors did and won the prize for the best score in the 0-12 what they did, they did not ask for, nor expect handicap category with a score of 39 pts. Dr this recognition and many a teary eye were Alkesh Chowdhury (-18) played exceptionally noticed. The on course medals were placed by well to score 44 points and won the prize for Bikram Singh receiving prize the DGC management while the Chief Guest the best score in the 13-24 handicap category. Meenakshi Lekhi placed them around their necks during the prize distribution. The quality scoring also highlighted the quality conditions of the Delhi Golf Club’s main course Once again, God proved that he is a golfer, which came in for praise from all those covid and that he also respected the efforts of the warriors who came to play from other clubs Covid Warriors. After 2 days of torrential rain, in the NCR region. The activity, managed by bright sunshine greeted the 300 golfers who Digraj Golf Inc, also had some interesting skill participated in this unique activity. And while based prizes and Social distancing and safety the ethos of the activity was sentimental, the norms were followed strictly. competition was severe and some great golf was witnessed. The scoring of the Several generous sponsors came forth to activity was based on an support this activity and the lead was taken Individual Stableford by Mr Siddharth Shriram of Mawana Sugars “It was format where a who anchored the event with his commitment wonderful to see player gets points to be an Associate Sponsor. Other sponsors/ youngsters from all for her/his supporters were: Associate Sponsor and performance Of¿ cial Sanitizer - Sanitize 99.9% by Radico Ms Meenakshi Lekhi honouring a Covid Warrior quarters come forth and based on 75% Khaitan, Banking Partners – HDFC Bank, offer a lending hand for of their original Prize(s) Sponsor - 360 Degrees, Of¿ cial the various requirements handicaps. On Water - Kangen Water, Of¿ cial Day 1 Bikram which were posed by Singh (-3) ¿ rea the pandemic”. round of 76 to - Ms Meenakshi Lekhi score 34 pts and win the prize for the best score in the 0-12 handicap category. Anil Kohli (-24) played well to win with a score of 37 points in the 13- 24 handicap category. In the juniors section, former World Junior champion and 15 year old Shubham Jaglan (+1) ¿ red a (3 under) 69 to win the best junior prize in the age category above 15 years. 10 Yrs old Armin Paul Singh (-9) won the prize for President DGC Maj RS Bedi and Chief Guest Ms Meenakshi Lekhi - Cheque and board best junior in the age category Under 11 years Digraj Singh with Covid Warrior Mridula Tandon

50 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Club News

Future of Indian Golf – Top Juniors from DGC – Shubham Jaglan, Editor-in-chief, Anil Dev with his fourball Chaitanya Pandey, Shon Kipgen and Aryaman Mahant CATEGORY PRIZES

Winner • 0-12 handicap BIKRAM SINGH • 13-24 handicap ANIL KOHLI

Runner Up • 0-12 handicap JAGATJIT BEDI • 13-24 handicap BRIG A RAJPUT

Winner Group Pics with Social Distancing • 0-12 handicap VIVEK BHANDARI • 13-24 handicap DR ALKESH CHAUDHRY

Runner Up 2DAY 1 DAY • 0-12 handicap PAULASTYA SACHDEV • 13-24 handicap COL IRSHANJIT KOHLI

SUPER SENIORS Winner • Above 70, Below 85 PK BAPNA • 85 years & above LL MALHOTRA

Runner Up Lending Support • Above 70, Below 85 RK BHARGAVA • 85 years & above PB CAPOOR

- Golf Plus and Co-sponsor – Hero Cycles. Gifts for the participants have been offered by Optimum Nutrition and Just in time Fashions. And very JUNIORS hearteningly, Delhi Langar Seva served langar for the caddies for both days Winner of the activity. • Under 11 years ARMIN PAUL SINGH During the Prize Presentation in which Ms Meenakshi Lekhi honoured the • Above 11, under 15 SAVDEEP KADIAN Covid Warriors and also gave away prizes to some of the winners, she also • Above 15 years SHUBHAM JAGLAN (ON COUNTBACK) shared some inspiring stories of efforts made by various individualswho Runner Up came together for the service of humanity during this pandemic. “It was • Under 11 years CHAITANYA PANDEY wonderful to see youngsters from all quarters come forth and offer a lending • Above 11, under 15 ISHAAN AHUJA hand for the various requirements which were posed by the pandemic” she • Above 15 years ARYAMAN MAHANT added. “People worked around the clock and I am grateful for their efforts” she added. SKILLS BASED PRIZES (Overall for Day 1) Joining her in giving away the prizes were Mr Amar Sinha of Radico 360 Degrees Closest to Pin SANJOLI SINGH Khaitan, Mr Vikash Gupta of 360, Mr Rishi Goyle of HDFC Bank and the Sanitize 99.9% Straightest Drive ASHOK BEDI President of the Club Mr RS Bedi. Speaking at the Prize Distribution the HDFC Longest Drive PRATAP ATWAL President shared the ethos behind the event and said that “as a premiere sporting organisation, we felt it was important for us to acknowledge and honour these brave warriors who have do so much for humanity” SKILLS BASED PRIZES (Overall for Day 2) The Highlight of the Prize Presentation was the cheque of Rs 25,01,001 360 Degrees Closest to Pin V ADM SATISH SONI which was presented to Ms Meenakshi Lekhi for the “PM CARES Fund Sanitize 99.9% Straightest Drive AAKASH SHARMA from the Funds Generated through generous contributions from The Delhi HDFCLongest Drive ASHWAN MALHOTRA Golf Club members.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 51 Snippet TROON REINVESTS IN TALENT WITH A SERIES of worldwide appointments within troon international

Country Club, Queensland, Australia, bringing 20 years of Troon experience and knowledge to elevate the resort to a must play destination with superior agronomy conditions. In Australia, Troon welcomes Jane Bell back to the family as she enters the role of General Manager of Brookwater Golf & Country Club. Jane started her journey with Troon over 20 years ago at Yarra Yarra Golf Club in Australia and has continually sought to diversify her areas of responsibility, taking her to clubs all around the world, including Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, Fiji and Address Montgomerie, Dubai. In addition to the permanent appointments, Troon has continued to encourage seasonal placements; each year associates have the opportunity to travel and work at other facilities during their club’s quieter season. Broadening their experiences this year are Al Hamra Golf Club Teaching roon, the leader in upscale golf course appointments of Karl Whitehead as General Professional, Marc Arnold, who is spending the management, development and Manager and Marcus Hartup as Director of summer at prestigious UK venue, Centurion Club. Tmarketing, is pleased to announce six Agronomy. Karl moves to Vattanac Golf Resort Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat strategic appointments of associates at their from The Els Club Dubai where he spent four Club Teaching Professionals, Danny Jakubowski international properties. years as General Manager. Working with Troon and Kieran Pratt, travelled to Saudi Arabia; and Last month, Troon was selected to manage for eight years, Karl has been able to achieve Federico Alba, Teaching Professional at Saadiyat luxury venue Vattanac Golf Resort in a long-term goal by transitioning his career to Beach Golf Club, is travelling to multiple Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With this news, Asia. Marcus Hartup joins Karl at Vattanac facilities this summer in Europe, including Costa Troon International is delighted to share the Golf Resort from Paci¿ c Harbour Golf & Navarino. IGTA-SKAL FRIENDSHIP GOLF he Event was played at Jaypee TGreens Golf and Country Club. The golfong saw golfers from Travel, Tourism, Hospitality andTravel Media group. Jaypee Golf course was looking amazing and its professional team as always gave an outstanding service . Rajan Sehgal, President of India Golf Tourism Association quoted on the event “IGTA members are working hard to promote Golf Tourism within India for domestic golfers. As outbound travel will take time it’s the right time to make domestic golf packages and motivate Indian Golfers to visit and play at different amazing Golf courses of India right from Jammu & Kashmir to South. IGTA is greatful to Ministry of Tourism for giving us slot in DEKHO APNA DESH to show Gol¿ ng Tour Of India.”

52 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 GOLF DESTINATION QUIZ

THOSE WHO GAVE THE RIGHT ANSWERS 1. Rishi Sahai 16. Rafiq Islam 31. Ajit Vinayak Gupta 2. Varun Ahuja 17. Anitha Roy 32. Bakhtawar Kartikay Saini 3. Ankush Chadha 18. KM Kuriakose 33. Sanjeev Uppal 4. Kapil Arora 19. Sarv Mittar 34. Garry Bedi 5. Kanika Singhal 20. Vijay K Anand 35. Shubham Kumar 6. Prinston P Prakasia 21. Mithun Divakaran 36. Manjula Shah 7. Prasoon Chaturvedi 22. George Baptista 37. V Saravanan 8. Saurabh Khanduja 23. Kapil Kathpalia 38. Naresh Kumar Jain 9. Aagosh Bhatia 24. VenkataramananIyer 39. Saumyakansal 10. Amandeep Kaur 25. Insiya Chinwala 40. Siddhartha Sinharay 11. Muhammad Shamim S 26. Sujata Singh 41. Anil Trehan 12. Deepak Acharya 27. Vinod Kumar Gandhi 42. Sunita k 13. Virajeet Sandu 28. Peter Remedios 43. Srinivasa Prasath 14. Debabrata Tripathy 29. Rajendra Prasad Maganti 15. Akshay Kilachand 30. Maria Pinheiro AND THE WINNERS ARE

1. Rishi Sahai 3. Ankush Chadha 5. Kanika Singhal 2. Varun Ahuja 4. Kapil Arora

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 53 Travel AMAZING ISLAND PHUKET LIFE IS A BEACH

Kata Beach Colourful long-tail boats are moored are the backdrops on almost all promotional material. Sitting on the Andaman Sea in Beautiful soft sand, nodding palm trees, clean waters with a soft seabed, good surfing in the low season and snorkelling in the high season, and a fantastic laid-back atmosphere, southern Thailand there is an Kata Beach has it all. Island, the biggest one in Thailand Kata Noi Beach called Phuket surrounded by many Neighbour to Kata Beach (the name literally means Âlittle Kata BeachÊ), 700 metres of an magnificent Beaches. amazingly spot withthe finest, the sea among the nicest and the surrounding restaurants among the best in Phuket. Surin Beach mere hour away by air from Bangkok The 800-metre-long beach remains a very popular choice and the home of a good and well connected with other cities of selection of PhuketÊs most exclusive hotels, shops and restaurants. Thailand and Asia,Phuket has a collection Patong Beach of the finest golf courses.Phuket is surrounded The beach list would be incomplete without the most popular and the most known by a number of ÂMust visit islandsÊ islands beach of Phuket. With its popularity itself being its nemises, Patong wins hand down in its which would easily add days to your itinerary. offering. Phuket is also host to a number of shows Karon Beach which are a treat in their own way. The third longest beach with 3.3 km length, the beach posts of a perfect straight line and the most squeaking sand in Phuket. Being predominantly Chinese the island is an epicureans delight offering a huge variety of Chinese and Thai cuisine including a festival dedicated to Chinese Vegetarian Cuisine. TheFood tour in Phuket old Town and eating atthe blue elephant restaurant a must. Phuket is known for its outstanding beaches, probably more than anything else. With over 30 of them around the island one is spoiled for choice. Whatever your reason Phuket should be on every golfers bucket list not once but at least a number of times to fully soak in the golf and culture of the unique island. Surin Beach

54 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Travel Phuket is also host to a number of shows which are a treat in their own way.

Blue Canyon Country Club TOP COURSES IN PHUKET Red Mountain Golf Club Locatedon a disused tin mine,it is one of the favourite courses on the island right next to its twin ă Loch Palm Golf Club. Red Mountain landed its name from the mesa-style appearance of its landscape, made up of red soil. Loch Palm Golf Club Nestling below a panoramic range of peaksthe course is surrounded by the largest lake on any golf course in Phuket. Laguna Phuket Golf Club Formerly known as Banyan Tree Golf Club, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is a resort-style 18-hole golf course located within the Laguna Phuket ISLAND HOPPING SHOW TIME development. Blue Canyon Country Club Koh Phi Phi Set on 730 acres of land in a secluded valley Known for its vibrant and intense party overlooking PhuketÊs famous hills, hosts 2 culture and epicurean offering, the island courses: the ÂCanyon CourseÊ and the ÂLake draws in the young, stylish and energetic. The CourseÊ. islands two mainopposite coasts each have a different story to tell. Mission Hills Golf Club Phi Phi Don is associated with all-night partiesÊ Carved from rubber plantations and in PhuketÊs pristine beaches to recover environmentally-friendly mangroves, the course Phi Phi Lee, on the other hand, draws in the boasts of large sized white sand beach bunkers crowds with Maya Bay, a popular site for whichlook magnificent against the backdrop of travellers who have seen the movie or read Phuket Fanta Sea the blue hues of the ocean and the vibrant green the book, The Beach. of the fairways and putting greens. Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island, Phuket Fanta Sea Phuket Country Club Hong Island) Phuket FantaSea is a show and the first Thai Established in 1989, one of the oldest and Located north of Phuket, Phang NgaÊs iconic finest golf courses built in Phuket and lies on a point of attraction is the James Bond Island, cultural theme park in the world! or Koh Ta-Pu (Nail Island) as the locals know The highlight of this theme park is its famous reclaimed tin mine sitereplete with traditional it. Its name comes from its feature as a performance, „Fantasy of a Kingdom‰, which is Thai elegance. backdrop for the James Bond movie, The the longest-running show in Asia. Man with the Golden Gun. Phuket Simon Cabaret GOLF BEYOND In this cluster, Hong island rewarding visitors with a stunning views including a lagoon in The most famous ladyboy cabaret show is PHUKET the centre. located in the most famous beach in Phuket-The Patong Beach Katathong Golf Course Similan Island The club house is designed in charming Sino- This little archipelago is one of the most Siam Niramit Phuket Portuguese architectural style and decorated with interesting diving areas in the world as well as Siam Niramit is a world-class Thai cultural memorabilia from the mining era, there are even a favourite destination for yachties and boat performance. As a critically acclaimed show in authentic rusting relics of the industrial mine that tours. Bangkok for many years, they opened a Phuket can still be seen from the fairway. venue in 2011. Kirinara Golf Course Aphrodite Cabaret Show The golf course will provide you with a Around 100 talented ladyboy performers memorable journey into the local scenery and dressed in decorative and extravagant costumes culture for a complete destination experience. present the stories of various cultures through astounding musical and dance performances Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort Nested alongside the Klong Muang Beach and Simon Star Cabaret Show extending towards the foot of the Naga Head The Show adds a fresh perspective on the Mountain, the international standard course original Simon Show to bring you the master of premier, makes golf as one of the most popular cabaret shows in Phuket. resort activity. Similan Island

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 55 Survey - SURVEY August 2020 Thailand is a dream destination for golfers from all around the world as it has amazing facilities. With 250 golf courses ideally located throughout the country, no wonder it emerges as the no. 1 golf destination.

“I would like to thank SLW group for op quality courses, reasonable green fees, HANDICAP CATEGORY conducting the survey, friendly caddies attract golfers to visit T (a) 0-9 HCap: 12% (b) 10-18 HCap: 60% and I am glad to note this amazing place. To bring value to this (c) 19-26 HCap 28% offering, SLW- the leading Golf Management that most golfers company in partnership with Tourism A majority of golfers, almost 88% are planning rated Thailand as one Authority of Thailand, New Delhi launched to travel abroad to play golf post Covid19 and of the best golfing the ¿ rst ever loyalty program for a country. 92% kept safety as their prime concern for the destinations.” The Thai Golf Passport has been launched outbound travel. in India to offer Indian golfers a seamless - Vachirachai Sirisumpan, The survey resulted in some important facts Director TAT, New Delhi golf experience in Thailand. Indian golfers coming to the fore. Most Golfers a whopping can now be a part of this rewarding loyalty 97% of those surveyed rated Thailand as one of program whenever they tee off in Amazing the best gol¿ ng destinations. Thai Hospitality Thailand and redeem their points for products followed by Value for money and affordable Thailand and were happy to see the enthusiasm from more than two hundred leading brands. luxury, were the top three key factors which to travel for golf amongst the Indian golfers. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) & Sports prompts these golfers to travel to Thailand to ³7KH RYHUZKHOPLQJ UHVSRQVH FKRRVLQJ & Leisure Worldwide (SLW) conducted a play golf. Thailand’s close proximity to India 7KDLODQGDVWKH1RJRO¿QJGHVWLQDWLRQZDV survey on ‘Gol¿ ng in Thailand’ with Golfers was another key factor in inÀ uencing the QR VXUSULVH´ VDLG 0U $QLO 'HY 0' 6/: in India during 10-27 July 2020. The surveyed Indian golfers mind in deciding Thailand as *URXS, the promoters of Thai Golf Pass, the sample group was made up of Golfers from all the premier destination for Golf holidays. only sovereign golf loyalty program in the over India and consisted of: Mr. Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director TAT, world. “Golfers are a little more demanding New Delhi added “I would like to thank SLW when it comes to hospitality and Thailand wins group for conducting the survey, and I am hands down in that department. We expect RESPONSES: glad to note that most golfers rated Thailand Thailand would be the ¿ rst destination where 1005 (Delhi & NCR 65%, Chandigarh 5% as one of the best gol ng destinations. As the majority of the golfers would travel to for and Others 30%) ¿ you all probably are aware that Thailand is their ¿ rst golf holiday post Covid19”. a spectacular choice and dream come true TARGET GROUP: Golfers For more information about Amazing destination for golfers with stunning and vast GENDER: Male Golfers-98% Thailand, please visit: Lady Golfers- 2% selection of golf courses. In fact, destination diversity and vast choices of golf courses Tourism Authority of Thailand (New Delhi Offi ce) AGE-GROUP: throughout the country are key factors A12/4 Vasant Vihar, Ground Floor, Below 30: 3.20% Ages 31-50: 28% attracting the large numbers of visitors coming New Delhi – 110057 Ages 51-70: 53% Above 70: 15.80% to play golf in Thailand. We look forward Email: [email protected] to your visit to amazing Thailand once the Websites: www.tourismthailand.in MEMBERSHIP STATUS: situation improves” www.thailandfi rstvisit.com Members of a Golf Club: 93% ‘We conducted the survey to ascertain the www.myweddinginthailand.com Non-Members : 7% impact of Covid-19 on Golf tourism to www.thaigolfpass.com

56 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Travel THE UAE CAPITAL IS COMMITTED TO SAFELY WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL GOLFERS AGAIN

Abu Dhabi The National Course Abu Dhabi and its three championship golf venues have implemented a proactive approach to ensure the safe return of visitors and international golfers. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

gainst the backdrop of a global health and safety measures to protect employees, “Almost every country and industry has been pandemic, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, members and guests visiting the clubs. The signi¿ cantly affected by the pandemic, but we are Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links additional measures include; thermal scans at ¿ rmly back on our feet. We are fortunate that golf is Abu Dhabi have aligned with the United the entrance to each facility, stringent social one of the safest sports to play and can be a healthy Arab Emirates’ various measures and distancing measures, dividers to separate golfers outdoor activity to enjoy in the current climate. We Ainitiatives to ensure a safe environment for their in each cart, a reduction in the maximum capacity are very con¿ dent of the country’s ability to provide employees and guests. of all food and beverage outlets, and many other a safe and healthy environment to everyone visiting Abu Dhabi and the UAE government have protocols to ensure the clubs are able to welcome this autumn and winter.” implemented a ‘best-in-class’ strategy, working players back safely. During the summer months, the three championship as a single cohesive team to overcome the recent The courses closed for a period of 14-days at the end venues have been looking to reset as they enter circumstances, in anticipation of welcoming back of March, during this time they were able to safely the low season and prepare for a strong end to tourism as soon as it’s safe to do so. implement agronomy and general maintenance the year when international travel is expected to During the global pandemic, the UAE made work that was scheduled for later in the year, to resume in a regulated capacity. Working alongside an early commitment to ensure easy access to ensure the courses were perfect for golfers to local government entities the teams at the Troon healthcare services for all individuals and have return. Since reopening, golf in the region has seen Abu Dhabi clubs are exceptionally committed conducted the highest level of testing per million a rejuvenated interest from the local community as to delivering safe, enjoyable, and extraordinary in the world. They introduced an early-detection an opportunity to safely exercise and stay active in experiences to every golfer and guest. strategy with mass testing drives in densely the outdoors. Abu Dhabi Golf Club continues its plans to host populated areas to detect and treat early cases. The Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General the 16th Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) has Manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach 2021 and following this year’s success the Troon also introduced the latest forms of technology to Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi commented: Abu Dhabi Pro-Am will also return for 2021. assist the UAE’s population every step of the way, ensuring help and support is not only provided to all of its citizens but is also available at all times. In addition to their meticulous domestic strategy, the UAE has been able to offer humanitarian support in the global ¿ ght, donating equipment and hospital beds to over 50 countries in need. Abu Dhabi’s three championship venues, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi have all aligned with government guidelines to implement many Yas Links

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 57 Travel

GET FIT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS THIS AUTUMN AT ITALY’S ARGENTARIO RESORT

The terrace at the Club House

Italy’s Argentario Resort, set in extensive grounds adjacent to a nature reserve is offering a ‘Fitness Break’ package from Euros 772.5 per person this Autumn that includes working out with a Personal Trainer in the great outdoors and access to the Resort’s range of sport and exercise facilities.

fter the confines of lockdown a enjoy some healthy, local cuisine created by few days under the Tuscan sun at in-house chef, Emiliano Lombardelli, using Argentario is the ideal place to be for produce from the ResortÊs organic kitchen Afitness fanatics craving fresh air, space garden and nearby farms. Tennis courts and healthy eating. Set in 77 hectares Autumn meanwhile is the perfect time to of unspoilt Mediterranean nature allowing visit the five-star hotel in the heart of the for easy social distancing, the Resort gives unspoilt Maremma as at this time of year guests plenty of opportunity to improve their you will be assured of some late Tuscan sun fitness against a picturesque backdrop of the and warm, balmy weather creating perfect Monte Argentario peninsula, the Orbetello conditions for outdoor activities. Moreover as Lagoon awash with flamingos and the we head into the mid-season in September Tyrrhenian Sea. and October, the package costs have been At same time as getting fit or fitter, the five- reduced to reflect this, offering excellent star Resort also offers guests the chance to value for money whilst special midweek stays are also available at a discount. The view from the 3rd hole

58 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Travel

Panorama showing the golf course and outdoor activity offerings at Argentario The drving range

Cycle around Tuscany The gym part of the Espace Wellness Centre Padel courts

Panorama of Argentario Golf Course overlooking the Orbetello Lagoon

Treatment room at Espace Wellness Centre Design room Indoor pool

In addition to a championship golf course, designated as the PGA National Italy last year, and excellent practice facilities, Argentario provides guests with all the fi ve-star Resort also the requirements for a truly active holiday. offers guests the chance to The wide range of other outdoor facilities include padel and tennis courts, a mini football pitch and jogging enjoy some healthy, local tracks around the property whilst the extensive gym cuisine created by in-house The outdoor pool at Argentario offers further opportunities for body toning. E-cycles are also available to hire on site whilst a number of chef, Emiliano Lombardelli, Argentario Panorama trekking routes are easily accessed from the property. using produce from the For some post-exercise rest and relaxation, the ResortÊs Resort’s organic kitchen 2,700 mñ spa is open in accordance with regional garden and nearby farms. Covid guidelines as are the propertyÊs two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor). REMINISCES HISTORIC TRIUMPH ON THE PGA TOUR A DECADE BACK

rjun Atwal, one of India’s most decorated golfers, returned to the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship in mid-August 2020, the scene of his most memorable triumph a decade Aback. It was at the 2010 Wyndham Championship staged at the Sedge¿ eld Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, that one of the most glorious chapters in Indian gol¿ ng history was written as Atwal became the ¿ rst Indian to capture a PGA Tour title and conquer uncharted territory. The 47-year-old Arjun, still the only Indian to have won on the world’s most prestigious golf tour, recalled his vivid memories of the day when he also earned the distinction of becoming the ¿ rst Monday quali¿ er to win on the PGA Tour in 24 years. “I remember I was really nervous in the moments leading up to the winning putt as I knew that this was my chance at making history. But once I lined up that all-important seven-footer and was ready to make the putt, I was much calmer and in control. After I sank the putt I remember dropping my putter and raising my arms in order to celebrate,” said Atwal, who shot scores of 61, 67, 65 and 67 to total 20-under-260 for the week and beat American to the post by one stroke. “There was a huge sense of relief as I had come close to winning in the past on a few occasions on the PGA Tour especially at the BellSouth Classic 2005 where I lost out in a ¿ ve-way playoff and Phil Mickelson went on to win the event. “Even though I don’t think too much about past records, I must admit that it does feel very special to be back at the same venue and event and the fact that it’s been 10 years since that win also indicates how much older I am now,” said Atwal with a chuckle. Arjun, a resident of Windermere, Florida since 2003, has nine other international wins to his credit including three on the European Tour. The 6 foot 1 inch tall Atwal who originally hails from became the ¿ rst Indian to win on the European Tour when he posted an emphatic ¿ ve-stroke victory at the 2002 Caltex . However, Arjun counts his win at the 1999 as the other most cherished moment of his professional career after the win on the PGA Tour. Atwal said, “I won my ¿ rst Asian Tour event at the 1999 Indian Open. The event also happened to be played at my home course, the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). So winning in front of my home crowd, family and friends made it that much more special.” Looking back on his junior days Arjun stated that he looked up to

60 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as they were both among the greatest golfers ever. Atwal also admired Greg Norman who had a lot of style and aura about him and was world no. 1 when the former was growing up. The illustrious Indian golfer then recalled his days playing golf at college in the United States and how it laid the foundation for him to turn pro. Arjun said, “Winning golf events while at college in Long Island, New York, really helped build my con¿ dence. That’s where I learnt how to win. I turned pro soon after and therefore carried that very positive mindset that came from winning into my pro career.” returning to tournament action on the PGA lower than previous years and that indicates that Atwal has worked hard on his ¿ tness since the Tour last month. Even though I feel that I’ve there is a lot of depth in the ¿ eld and that golf start of the year and is a lot leaner and ¿ tter now been making a lot of mistakes especially in my is in a good place in India. The players are also having lost about 10 kgs (22 pounds). putting, I’m hoping of cleaning all that up before a lot ¿ tter than before. The foundation is there, “I knew that I needed to be in the best shape the Wyndham Championship,” said Arjun. it’s now up to the players to push themselves and that I can be at this stage of my career in order On his strength at the moment, he said, “I think achieve what they can.” to compete with players who are much younger. I used to be one of the best around at Speaking about the return of competitive golf So I began by giving up alcohol on December one point but now it’s my 3-Iron that’s my most in these testing times, Arjun was full of praise 31st last year and hit the refresh button. I guess dependable club. I’ve been quite accurate with it for the way the PGA Tour has been smoothly my system needed a jolt. My weight has dropped in recent times. There are few better sights in golf conducting tournaments, revealing, “The PGA from 202 pounds to 180 pounds since then. My than seeing a solid, long-iron shot up in the air.” Tour has laid down a requirement for multiple Covid tests to be carried out before a player takes knees feel a lot better as I’m carrying that much Atwal, a father to two sons, is excited about his the ¿ eld at an event. They’re doing a great job less weight on the course. elder son Krishen’s future prospects who is an considering the current situation in the US.” aspiring basketball player. On a lighter note, the 2003 Asian Tour Order of “My son Krishen is 16 years old and in Grade Merit champion, reminisced about the place he 11. He is 6 foot 5 inches tall and has a great work enjoyed visiting the most during his travels as a ethic, I would say better than mine. When I see professional golfer. him do three workouts in a day, it pushes me to “My favourite destination in all my gol¿ ng work that much harder on my game and ¿ tness. travels has to be Guam, a beautiful island in the So he’s driving me to work harder without even Paci¿ c Ocean which used to host an Asian Tour realizing it,” said the proud father. event in the 1990s. All of us Indians including the Arjun is also very optimistic about the future of likes of Uttam Singh Mundy, Amritinder Singh, Indian golf. He feels young Indian players such as Arjun Singh, Gaurav Ghei, Vivek Bhandari and Rashid Khan, Udayan Mane, Aman Raj, Khalin myself used to travel as a big group for the Guam “Luckily my home course did not shut down Joshi and Viraj Madappa have a lot of talent and Open. We used to get there a week in advance. during the lockdown so I could practice potential and are the ones to watch out for. The island was great fun as it had a lot to offer throughout without a break. The results of Atwal said, “The PGTI has been providing a such as pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife,” the time spent on practice and ¿ tness are now great platform for young Indian talent to come said Atwal, who claimed tied second place at the showing. I made the cut in all three events since up. The scores and cuts at PGTI events are much 1998 Guam Open.

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 61 seen in action as he returned to familiar territory The 18th green and the clubhouse PAHALGAM DIARY 2014 Here are some interesting snippets from the J&K Bank PGTI Pahalgam Masters 2014 held at the Lidder Valley Golf Course in Pahalgam. Sujjan Singh shows how professionals marked their balls to keep the crows away

SCARING AWAY THE CROWS LOCAL KIDS BATHE IN THE accustomed to the ice-cold water having grown up in the extreme cold weather of Crows wreaked havocat the Lidder Valley FREEZING COLD WATER BODIES Kashmir. Our photographer even caught one Golf Course as they picked up a number of AT THE GOLF COURSE of them wearing his clothes behind a tree golf ballson a daily basis taking them to be While Pahalgam experienced moderate trunk after his swim. eggs. The professionals however, came up to hot weather when the tournament was with an innovative idea to keep the crows at staged during the month of July, the water JYOTI RANDHAWA RETURNS TO bay and ensure the safety of their golf balls. bodies in the region were still freezing cold. FAMILIAR TERRITORY The balls were marked with lines drawn by No wonder it was an intriguing sight for all Jyoti Randhawa’s rst start of the 2014 PGTI sketch pens in order to outwit and confuse the the professional golfers from outside the ¿ season at Pahalgam marked his return to birds. The marking on the balls proved to be Kashmir valley when they witnessed local familiar territory. Randhawa, who arrived a deterrent for the crows and had favourable kids jump into the water bodies at the golf in the Kashmir valley a week prior to the results. But as professional Sujjan Singh put course on a daily basis. The kids, mostly Pahalgam event and went to Gulmarg for it, “The marking doesn’t guarantee safety teenaged boys, would bathe, swim and have trout ¿ shing, said, “I’m delighted to be back from the crows but de¿ nitely evens the odds fun in the ice-cold waters for almost an hour in Jammu & Kashmir for a tournament. I have and signi¿ cantly reduces the chances of the every afternoon when the sun was at its very fond memories of playing golf in the balls being picked up.” brightest. One assumes the kids’ bodies were

62 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 state. I played a lot of golf in places such as Jammu, Gulmarg and Nagrota, before turning professional. I also won the last professional tournament held in J&K 10 years back.” The former Asia No. 1, who celebrated his return to Kashmir with a tied ¿ fth ¿ nish at Pahalgam, was also all-praise for the relatively new Lidder Valley Golf Course. “The mountains in the backdrop and the pine trees that line the fairways, lend the course a distinct character. This magni¿ cent venue will help promote Jammu & Kashmir as a Champion Om Prakash Chouhan gol¿ ng destination,” said Jyoti. poses with the trophy Local kids bathe in the freezing cold SHUBHANKAR SHARMA’S SISTER water bodies at the golf course VANDINI CADDIES FOR HIM AT THE PRO-AM EVENT Shubhankar Sharma, who recently became the youngest winner on the PGTI at age 17 when he triumphed at the PGTI Cochin Masters, had his younger sister Vandini as his caddie during the Pro-Am event in Pahalgam. Vandini, who is a budding writer, often follows her brother on the course during tournaments. She has also caddied for him during practice rounds in the past. But this Shubhankar Sharma’s sister Vandini seen was the ¿ rst time that Vandini caddied for caddying for him at the Pro-Am event Shubhankar at the Pro-Am of a PGTI event. The talented brother-sister duo relished the “THE MOUNTAINS IN THE BACKDROP AND THE PINE TREES THAT LINE THE FAIRWAYS, experience. LEND THE COURSE A DISTINCT CHARACTER. THIS MAGNIFICENT VENUE WILL HELP SRI LANKANS GO TREKKING, PROMOTE JAMMU & KASHMIR AS A GOLFING DESTINATION.” EXPERIENCE SNOW FOR THE - Jyoti Randhawa FIRST TIME Sri Lankan golfers including the likes of , K Prabagaran and N Thangaraja went trekking on the Chandanwadi route along with a few other Indian golfers during the Pahalgam event. The experience was the ¿ rst of its kind for the adventurous Sri Lankans, who walked up a snow-clad route and witnessed snow-capped peaks from close range for the ¿ rst time in their lives. Mithun Perera said, “It was a surreal experience. We don’t have snow in

Sri Lanka so witnessing snow gave us a lot Mountains and snow-capped peaks formed a of thrill.” picturesque backdrop to the course The scenic fairways were lined by pine trees

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 63 REWIND: WHEN AND BAGGED THEIR MAIDEN PROFESSIONAL WINS IN THE SAME SEASON AND AT THE SAME VENUE

ndian golfing stars Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri have a lot of parallels in their Igolfing careers. To begin with both Bhullar and Lahiri were part of the Indian team that won the silver medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. They then turned I professional at around the same time. Interestingly, Gaganjeet and Anirban also went on to win their maiden professional titles in the same PGTI season in 2009 and that too at the same venue, the Panchkula Golf Club. Later on, both golfers won laurels for India on the international stage with victories on the Asian Tour and European Tour. Here’s a recap of Bhullar and Lahiri’s first wins. GAGANJEET BHULLAR WINS MAIDEN PROFESSIONAL TITLE AT PGTI PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY PANCHKULA GOLF CLUB Panchkula, , March 15, 2009: Gaganjeet BhullarÊs long wait for his first professional win finally came to an end when he posted a superb seven-under-65 on the final day of the PGTI Players Championship presented by Panchkula Golf Club. The 20-year-old from Kapurthala won by a mammoth margin of seven strokes as he totaled 19-under-269 for the tournament. Bhullar has now become the youngest winner on the PGTI. ChandigarhÊs Harendra Gupta and Vijay Kumar of Lucknow finished in tied second place with identical totals of 12-under-276. Gaganjeet Bhullar (65-73-66-65) registered his breakthrough win as a professional with a clinical 65 that was highlighted by eight birdies and a lone bogey. Bhullar, who had come close to winning on several occasions in the past, said, „ItÊs a special win because Gaganjeet Bhullar

64 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 REWIND to 2009

itÊs my first since I turned professional in December 2006. IÊve waited a long time for this moment and there are no words to describe my joy. I attribute my win to my good driving and mental toughness this week. „When I teed-off in the morning, I knew it would be a tough contest against the likes of experienced players such as Vijay Kumar and Harendra Gupta. However, I was aggressive from the very outset and that made all the difference. I am an aggressive player by nature and I stuck to that style of playing even today and did not try to do anything different,‰ added an elated Bhullar. ANIRBAN LAHIRI BAGS MAIDEN PROFESSIONAL TITLE WITH VICTORY AT PANCHKULA Panchkula, Haryana, September 27, 2009: Bengaluru-based Anirban Lahiri posted a steady 69 in the final round of the PGTIÊs Haryana Open 2009 Presented by HUDA and DLF to bag his maiden professional title. Lahiri totaled 10-under-278 for the tournament to finish one stroke ahead of fellow Bengalurean C Muniyappa at the challenging Panchkula Golf Club. The 22-year-old Anirban Lahiri (69-69-71-69), who was tied fourth after round three, raised his title hopes after he made his third and fourth birdies of the day on the 10th and 12th to become the sole leader. Lahiri, an Asian Tour regular, found the trees with his tee shot on the 16th but recovered well with two left-handed shots to make a bogey on that hole. Anirban then pulled it left on the final hole but made a terrific recovery yet again with a great seven-iron second shot from the rough and an accurate chip to round off his week on a high. Lahiri said, „ItÊs a wonderful feeling to win my first ever professional title. I have waited a long time for this moment since I have been on the threshold of a win several times in the past but not really got there. I feel a lot lighter now after having achieved this milestone. ItÊs now time to build on this Anirban Lahiri victory with equally good performances in the future.‰

GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 65 PGTIPGTI FFEEDEREEDER TOURTOUR OORDERRDER OOFF MMERITERIT CHAMPIONSCHAMPIONS DOWNDOWN THETHE YEARSYEARS

Here’s a look at the TATA Steel PGTI Feeder Tour Order of Merit champions down the years. 2010 Chauhan won the PGTI Feeder Tour Order earnings of Rs. 2,38,830. Gulfam secured a of Merit title for 2012 with total earnings win and five top-10s during the season. Maniram Sharma of Karnal won the PGTI of Rs. 1,23,325. Chauhan won a title and Feeder TourÊs Order of Merit for 2010 with claimed three top-10s during the season. 2018 total earnings of Rs. 2,21,071. Maniram won a record three titles and had four top- 2013 DelhiÊs Pawan Verma emerged PGTI Feeder 10s during the season. Tour Order of Merit champion in 2018 with NoidaÊs Arjun Singh Chaudhri clinched a total earnings of Rs. 2,78,987. Verma posted 2011 record second PGTI Feeder Tour Order of four top-10s during the season including two Merit crown in 2013 with total earnings of runner-up finishes. Arjun Singh Chaudhri of Noida bagged Rs. 2,09,330. Chaudhari won two events the PGTI Feeder Tour Order of Merit title and registered three top-10s during the 2019 for 2011with total earnings of Rs. 2,24,740. season. Chaudhri won a title and posted five top- Chandigarh-based rookie Yuvraj Singh 10s during the season. Sandhu won the PGTI Feeder Tour Order of 2014 Merit title for 2019 with record total earnings 2012 DelhiÊs Gulfam topped the PGTI Feeder of Rs. 2,82,480. Sandhu registered two wins and four top-10s during the season. Gurugram-based Aditya Raj Kumar Tour Order of Merit for 2014 with total

66 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2020 Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise Golf by the beach PGTI FEEDER TOUR ORDER OF MERIT CHAMPIONS DOWN THE YEARS

Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort

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